PM Abiy Ahmed and Guelleh discuss enhancement of economic cooperation

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday held talks with Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh who successfully concluded his two-day state visit to the neighboring Horn of Africa nation.

Ethiopia's state media Fana reported that the two leaders held meetings on bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual concern. This is his second trip to Ethiopia in months, further showcasing the close ties between the two countries.

Abiy Ahmed, whose country is struggling with civil war in the Tigray region and President Ismail Omar Guelleh have explored ways of strengthening multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Further, the two leaders discussed the strengthening of economic ties besides promoting trade and agricultural investments and scaling up joint infrastructural development within the Horn of Africa.

The tourism and energy sectors are also on the agenda discussed by the two leaders, state media further reported. The two leaders will continue exploring areas of mutual concern over the duration of the visit, Prime Minister's Office said.

Djibouti is a key entry to Ethiopia given that Addis Ababa's economy mostly depends on the Port of Djibouti for imports and exports. Ethiopia is a landlocked country and has built a railway from Djibouti to Addis Ababa to boost economic growth.

At some point last year, the movement of goods from Djibouti to Addis Ababa was temporarily cut short after Tigray People's Liberation Front seized the route as it engaged Ethiopia's National Defense Forces in a gunfight triggered by contemporary politics of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE