ADDIS ABAB -A conference on cooperation in security, economic, and political matters was held in Addis Ababa between Puntland and the Ethiopian government.

A press release from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both sides had engaged in fruitful discussions regarding cooperation in security, economic, and political matters.

The Ethiopian delegation at the conference was led by Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, while the Puntland delegation was headed by the Minister of Finance, Mohammed Farah Mohammed accompanied by members of the trade promotion committee.

The press release from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importance both sides placed on enhancing cooperation in trade, security, and overall economic development.

The meeting comes at a time when relations between the central governments of Somalia and Ethiopia are volatile following the Somali government accusing Ethiopia of territorial and political interference in Somalia.