Somalia, Japan agree on maritime security

TOKYO - Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed "Farmajo" have agreed that the two countries will continue working together in maritime security, Garowe Online reports.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces are currently on a counter-piracy mission off Somalia.

In his meeting with the Somali leader in the Japanese port city of Yokohama on Saturday, Abe praised Somalia's effort toward regional peace and security, including its fight against terrorism and anti-piracy measures in the Gulf of Aden.

He pledged Tokyo's continued support for the effort. The Somali President expressed gratitude for Japan's support.

He was in Japan for the Tokyo International Conference on African.

"As I depart from Japan, I thank Abe for hosting us for TICAD and showing support for Somalia. As the leaders of our two nations with historic relations, PM Abe and I commit to furthering Somalia-Japan strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our beloved people," said Farmajo.

The President delivered a speech on the importance of peace and security in the Horn of Africa alongside PM Shinzo Abe and other regional leaders on the margins of TICAD.

He said Somalia is determined to work with its neighbors for stability and economic development for joint prosperity.

GAROWE ONLINE