Addis Ababa, April 3, 2024 – In a move aimed at strengthening economic ties, a high-level ministerial delegation from the semi-autonomous region of Puntland visited Ethiopia today to explore avenues for boosting livestock exports from Puntland’s ports.
The delegation, led by Puntland’s Minister of Finance, Mohamed Farah Mohamed, was warmly received by Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, in the capital Addis Ababa.
During the meeting, the Puntland delegation emphasized the traditional and brotherly relations between their region and Ethiopia, expressing gratitude for Addis Ababa’s support and cooperation, especially in the crucial areas of security and education, according to a statement published on the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Ambassador Mesganu Arga reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Puntland and confirmed Addis Ababa’s readiness to expand cooperation across various sectors between the two sides.
Reports from local media outlet HorseedMedia suggest that the visit of the Puntland delegation is primarily focused on promoting livestock exports from Puntland’s ports and expediting customs procedures at the Turdibi border crossing.
This diplomatic engagement comes at a time when relations between Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu and Ethiopia have soured, following Addis Ababa’s signing of an agreement with the self-declared republic of Somaliland, which lacks international recognition. The visit also coincides with heightened tensions between the Puntland administration and the central government in Mogadishu, with Puntland announcing its withdrawal of recognition from the federal authorities.
As neighbors with deep historical ties, Ethiopia and Puntland are now seeking to capitalize on their cordial relations to boost economic cooperation, particularly in the lucrative livestock export sector, which is a vital economic lifeline for the region.
HORSEEDMEDIA
