EU supports Somalia's sovereignty amid wrangles with Ethiopia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The European Union (EU) has backed Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, following an onslaught from Ethiopia, which is fighting for access to the Red Sea for the construction of a military base and port.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held sessions with EU High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, and the two discussed cooperation between the two entities.

The commissioner expressed extreme gratitude towards the support from Somalia, which has struggled for stability for the last three decades. The EU is a traditional financial partner of the Horn of Africa nation.

"His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a phone call with Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission," Villa Somalia reports.

"They reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," read the statement, about Ethiopia's aggression, which has triggered anxiety in the region.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintained that Somalia is set to combat terrorism, which is a major concern in the region. The country has been fighting Al-Shabaab and IS Somalia militants for the last 16 years.

"The President expressed gratitude for the EU's enduring support in Somalia’s security and the joint efforts to combat terrorism. Both leaders underscored the significance of the Somalia-EU partnership in promoting regional stability, peace, and prosperity."

Al-Shabaab has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but the strong military presence from international partners has made it almost impossible for the group to take over the country.

GAROWE ONLINE