Recently, a delegation of senior military officers from the National Defense College of the Republic of Kenya visited the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Subsequent to the visit, officials from both nations have agreed to further strengthen their long-standing cooperation in the military sector, enhance collaboration on ways to ensure peace and security in the region and beyond; and intensify their alliance in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, working to stabilize the Horn of Africa.
In fact, Ethiopia and Kenya have a long history of social, economic, diplomatic, political, and security cooperation and partnership. This enduring partnership spans across various sectors, such as trade, infrastructure development, fostering people-to-people ties, addressing common challenges, and promoting shared growth.
A notable example of their collaboration is the LAPSSET project, where both nations continue to work together to unlock economic opportunities and advance regional goals. This initiative symbolizes the commitment of the two countries to regional cooperation, reshaping the region’s economic future and promoting sustainable development for generations to come.
The other key aspect that Ethiopia and Kenya have forged a strong alliance is the pursuit of regional peace, security, and stability issues. Engaging in the African Union (AU) and United Nations-led peacekeeping initiatives, both countries have played an active role and made significant contributions in addressing common and cross-border challenges that threaten the peace and security of the Horn countries and beyond. Their involvement in these initiatives has been pivotal in fostering peace and security through strategic collaboration, mutual support, and shared interests.
Unquestionably, the strong economic, political, and military ties between the two sisterly countries bring about invaluable benefits in terms of strengthening regional security and peace by addressing both immediate security challenges and the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to instability.
Accordingly, their collective military and intelligence efforts present a united front against regional instability, including tackling common threats, such as Al-Shabaab a terrorist group.
Obviously, given their strategic location, both Ethiopia and Kenya face shared security risks stemming from volatile neighboring regions. In this regard, reinforcing their partnership plays a constructive role in actively responding to the existing and emerging threats, averting peace and security challenges not only within their territories; but also across the Horn of Africa, the broader region.
It is clear that when nations invest in each other’s growth and support one another, they not only attain their own development goals and address security challenges; but also contribute to a more peaceful regional order.
In this regard, deepening partnerships for shared goals is an essential step for addressing complex and transnational challenges and strengthening regional integration.
As Ethiopia and Kenya continue to work together, they not only secure their own futures but also contribute to a more secure and stable region for generations to come, setting a powerful example for regional cooperation.
Through military strength and intelligence-sharing, Ethiopia and Kenya can address immediate security concerns; while laying the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity. What is more, their efforts can serve as a model for other nations in the Horn of Africa, showcasing that unity, resilience, and a shared vision can overcome even the most daunting challenges by promoting regional integration
Thus, the two countries should continue to further bolster cooperation and champion collective actions as their unity and partnership is vital to ensure long-term peace and stability within the African region and beyond.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2024
