Addis Ababa, December 14, 2019 (FBC) -Land Forces Commander of the Ethiopian National Defense Force Lt.Gen. Molla Hailemariam met with Brig. Gen. Lapthe Flora, U.S. Army Africa Deputy Commander.
The two discussed a final planning event for the upcoming African Land Forces Summit (ALFS), which will take place in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in February 2020.
They also exchanged views on how the summit will continue to aid security cooperation endeavours with Ethiopia, African Union (AU) missions and long-term stability throughout the continent.
The summit is a four-day seminar bringing together land force chiefs from across Africa for candid dialogue to discuss and develop cooperative solutions to improve trans-national security and stability.
“This year marks the eighth African Land Forces Summit,” Flora said. “Our theme this year is Tomorrow’s Security Demands Leadership Today. This theme reflects our shared belief that leadership is an enduring responsibility among our military leaders.”
Flora knows firsthand Ethiopia’s commitment to security cooperation within East Africa, having been co-director of Justified Accord 2019 in Ethiopia last summer.
Justified Accord and similar regional exercises enable African militaries and partners to work together and learn from one another, while enhancing their capabilities in relation to the challenges related to African Union peacekeeping.
“In order for our soldiers and leaders to be successful, we must develop our leaders today,” Flora said. “Our theme this year reflects that mindset, and we hope that the summit will empower our already strong leaders.”
The Ethiopian National Defense Force and U.S. Army Africa will co-host the summit.