Ethiopian, Italian premiers hold discussions in Addis Ababa

MOGADISHU, Somalia

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed his Italian counterpart, Georgia Meloni, who arrived late Friday for a two-day visit.

The visit is instrumental in strengthening ties between the two countries, he said.

The two leaders held discussions during a working dinner at the Grand Palace, according to a statement issued by the office of Ethiopia’s prime minister.

Strengthening humanitarian and development assistance support to Ethiopia will be at the top of the agenda during the visit.

Also to be discussed will be regional, continental and global issues of “common concern” according to the Ethiopian news agency (ENA).

Abiy also met the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahamud who arrived in Addis Ababa late Friday.

Mahamud came for a trilateral meeting with the other prime ministers.

The three leaders will discuss “key issues of mutual interest between the three nations including further enhancing existing partnerships,” according to Somalia’s presidency.