Ethiopia has no intentions to cause any harm to Somalia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia declared this on Tuesday while speaking to lawmakers in Addis Ababa.
“Several Ethiopians have died for Somalis and Somalia,” the Prime Minister said.
For years, Ethiopia deployed its forces in Somalia, especially as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops.
The Prime Minister added that Ethiopia is only interested in direct access to a seaport.
His comments follow the heat and controversy that Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland on January 1 continues to attract.
“Ethiopians and Somalis are bound by blood,” stated the Prime Minister in his address.
He called Ethiopia a friend of Somalia.
