ADDIS ABABA (KAAB TV) – The Puntland State has dispatched its delegation to Ethiopia just days after the northeastern region announced its withdrawal of recognition from the Somali government in Mogadishu and declared its intent to pursue an independent course of action.
The delegation led by Puntland’s Minister of Finance, Mohammed Farah Mohammed received warm welcome by the Ethiopia State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga.
According to Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry, a meeting took place in the Foreign Affairs Ministry building in Addis Ababa on Wednesday.
During their discussions, the two delegations delved into collaborative opportunities spanning trade, investment, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects, aimed at fortifying and expanding the bonds between Ethiopia and Puntland, a statement from Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“The two delegations explored collaborative opportunities in trade, investment, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects to bolster and broaden the ties between the two sides,” the ministry posted on its X platform.
“The Puntland delegation emphasized the longstanding and fraternal ties between Puntland and Ethiopia, acknowledging Ethiopia’s support and collaboration, particularly in security and education sectors,” it added.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Mesganu reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to the ties with Puntland and affirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to collaborate across various areas. He also extended a congratulatory message to the government of Puntland for the successful elections it conducted recently.
The Wednesday’s meeting in Addis Ababa comes in the wake of Puntland’s declaration of its intention to operate independently from the Somali federal government. Puntland also said it does not recognize the Somali government.
The situation in Somalia has escalated to an official crisis, marked by the existence of two conflicting versions of the constitution, and avenues for resolving the issue appear to be currently closed.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s imposition of a unilateral constitution, disregarding the consensus reached on the 2012 constitution, has further exacerbated fragmentation and division. Somaliland declared independence in 1992 following a bloody civil war.
Puntland, located in the northeastern region of Somalia, has advocated for a federal system since 1998, when the region established its autonomous state in the aftermath of Somalia’s collapse.