MOGADISHU, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian and Somali leaders on Saturday called for joint international efforts to fight terrorism which has claimed innocent lives in Somalia and across the world.

Abiy Ahmed, the Ethiopian Prime Minister and his host, President Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo of Somalia noted that peace and stability were crucial for the development and prosperity of both countries and thus agreed to work together to fight terrorism including cross-border security challenges.

Abiy Ahmed who arrived in Mogadishu for a one-day state visit also lauded Mogadishu for the commitment and courage in overcoming security challenges and for tangible progress that has put Somalia on the path to sustainable peace and development.

"While appreciating AMISOM's role in the peace and state building efforts of Somalia, the leaders expressly stated the need to zealously guard against any risks, both internal and external, to the reversal of the gains achieved in Somalia," the two leaders said in a joint communiqué issued in Mogadishu.

President Farmaajo paid tribute to the sacrifice of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and recognized the prominent role of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces toward stabilization of Somalia.

The two leaders also called on regional countries to contribute positively to Somalia's peace and state building efforts after years of conflict.

The two leaders urged respect for the "sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and the unity of both nations and called upon all Somali actors to relentlessly work towards the unity and cohesiveness of Somalia."

Meanwhile, the two leaders called for an effective multilateral system with a reformed and stronger UN and agreed to advocate for African solutions for African problems and to foster joint positions on international matters of mutual concern. Enditem

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