Prime Minister Hailemariam's talks with Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud today focused on ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, and the two leaders agreed to continue the cooperation previously carried out during the now defunct Transitional Federal Government.

In addition, the two sides agreed to establish a Joint Ministerial Commission and that its first session would be held in Mogadishu. President Mahmoud thanked the Ethiopian government for its efforts to bring lasting peace and stability in Somalia in various bilateral and multilateral fora including the African Union, IGAD and the UN. The two sides agreed to extend cooperation in the areas of capacity building, institutional building, and the civil service.

President Mahmoud particularly expressed Somalia's desire to cooperate with Ethiopia in agriculture and infrastructural development. He also expressed the view that Somalia could learn from Ethiopia's experiences and expertise in federal arrangements. President Mahmoud also requested Ethiopia's assistance in the area of leadership skills in the military.

Prime Minister Hailemariam assured the Somali President that Ethiopia would continue to assist to Somalia and would provide support in all the areas requested.