(MENAFN- SomTribune) The relations between Ethiopia and Somaliland have witnessed remarkable development in various fields. These relations have moved to advanced stages of mutual understanding between the two countries' leaders.
The growing relations between the two sides culminated in the visit of Somaliland President Musa Behi Abdi on Wednesday, heading a large delegation to Ethiopia, during which he met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
During the visit, the two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen relations, bilateral cooperation and other issues of common concern.
President of Somaliland: Mogadishu will not be able to threaten our development projects
The Ambassador of Somaliland to Ethiopia, Ahmed Hassan Aqal, in a press statement in Addis Ababa, the inauguration of a project close to the port of Berbera Ethiopia, the largest project linking the two countries.
Aqal said that the Berbera corridor project will be launched in Ethiopia at the end of February, adding that the project contributes to linking the two countries via highways and railways, thus providing a series of shipping services to and from Ethiopia.
He added that the development of the Berbera corridor is a major gain for Ethiopia, which is a strategic partner in the port of Berbera in Somaliland by 19%.
He pointed out that the rapid changes witnessed by Ethiopia require the strengthening of relations between the two countries, especially as the new leadership in Addis Ababa launched an initiative for integration in the Horn of Africa.
He explained that the port of Berbera serves Ethiopia as an outlet to the sea, and enhances its efforts to provide port services, which have increased because of the tremendous economic progress during the past decade.
Observers believe that the rapprochement between the two countries is evolving day by day thanks to the strong policy of Addis Ababa Ethiopia towards its neighbor in Somaliland, which seeks to create a strong economic interdependence with Somaliland, for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.
They considered that rapprochement would bring many benefits to both countries, particularly with regard to the promotion of peace and security and the exchange of common interests.
In March 2018, DP World signed an agreement with Ethiopia and the governments of Somaliland and Ethiopia, under which Ethiopia would become a strategic partner in the port of Berbera in Somaliland by 19 per cent, in addition to its investment in the infrastructure necessary to develop the Berbera corridor, as a trade gateway to the internal state, which is one of the fastest growing countries in the world.
Under the agreement, DP World holds a 51% stake in the project and the Port Authority in Somaliland with a 30% stake, while Ethiopia is investing in the development of the commercial corridor infrastructure.
The partnership contributes to making Berbera Port a central regional port and a major transit point for various goods imported from regional and international markets, attracting investors and contributing to diversifying the economy and creating hundreds of jobs.DP World has been in charge of the Berbera Port since March 2017 and has made significant strides since then in boosting its productivity. Plans for the development of the port of Berbera, according to the master plan, include the construction of an additional berth at the port.
DP World has already implemented the master plan to develop the port, upgrade the existing facilities and equip it with new equipment that will enhance its efficiency and productivity. These include new cranes, the first of which will be received later in the current year.
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