The First Ethiopia-Somalia Joint Ministerial Commission session held in Mogadishu

Addis Ababa, September 7, 2023 (FBC) – The First Ethiopia-Somalia Joint Ministerial Commission meeting was held today (07 September 2023) in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Co-chaired by Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, and Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Salah Ahmed Jama, the session was preceded by the Senior Officials meeting, which took place from 5 to 6 September 2023.

In his opening remarks, Demeke Mekonnen thanked Salah Ahmed Jama for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation and further commended Salah Ahmed Jama for convening the 1st Session of the JMC.

DPM & FM Demeke expressed that the focus of the two countries’ relations has been concentrated on political and security matters. It is high time to explore more opportunities to expand areas of cooperation for the benefit of our brotherly peoples, Mr. Demeke added.

Mr. Demeke Mekonnen also commended President Hassen Sheikh Mahmoud on the fight against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, as a critical step towards ensuring sustainable peace and security in Somalia.

He also mentioned the fact that Ethiopia and Somalia shared language, culture, people and values that will always be an eternal bond between our two countries and enhancing our people-to-people relations by exploring various ways is therefore a natural extension of this historic tie.

Demeke concluded by expressing the continued commitment of Ethiopian government to facilitate and promote all aspects of cooperation between the two countries.

On his side, the Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Salah Ahmed Jama said, this JMC is a historic moment for the two countries that can benefit the two peoples. “We look forward strengthen our longstanding relationship that is grounded by a principle of mutual respect and brotherly relationship,” DPM Salah added.

Mr. Salah Ahmed Jama also expressed that this JMC serves as a crucial platform for formalizing of our historic relationship so that we enhance the ties for mutual benefit of the two countries. He said, Somalia will work together with Ethiopia to strengthen the longstanding cooperation.

Upon concluding the JMC, the dignitaries presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Trade Cooperation and agreed minutes of the meeting.