President Mohamud in Burundi as Somalia gears up to join EAC  

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BUJUMBURA: Federal Republic of Somalia president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in Burundi for talks with his counterpart Evariste Ndayishimiye as the country makes strides towards joining the East African Community (EAC).

In a Joint communique issued after a meeting between the two heads of state, the meeting also sought to deepen bilateral ties between the two countries and also forge closer relations between the Somali and Burundian people.

According to an official communication from the Villa Somalia, the president’s trip also seeks to boost the government’s offensive against the Al-Shabaab militants.

“The two heads of state reviewed the state of the bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries and stressed the need to strengthen the bilateral relations and close cooperation based on trust and common interest for both governments and their respective people,” the communique read in part.

President Mohamud commended Burindi for its efforts to support Somalia’s war against the Al-shabaab with the aim of restoring lasting peace and stability in the country through the African Transition Mission in Somaia (ATMIS).

On his part, President Ndayishimiye praised president Mohamud’s resolve to ensure Somalia is safe and on the right track towards economic development and democracy.

The two leaders further commended the establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) which lays out a framework for bilateral cooperation between the two countries in; trade and investment, capacity building, agriculture, education, health, tourism, defense and security and political consultations.

On regional cooperation, the two heads of state reiterated their commitment to EAC priorities 2022-2026 such as full implementation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT), enhancing domestication of regional commitments in line with the EAC common market protocol and strengthening regional peace, security and good governance.

Internationally, the two leaders expressed deep concern over the security situation in the world marked by the proliferation of direct conflict between states and proxy wars in several regions, calling on all concerned states to use diplomatic avenues in resolving conflicts.