Somalia, Djibouti sign troop deployment deal

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Somalia and Djibouti on Wednesday signed an agreement that allows for an additional deployment of Djiboutian troops to boost stabilisation efforts in Somalia.

Specific details and timing of the agreement were not disclosed.

"The agreement will govern the additional deployment of Djibouti Armed Forces personnel on Somali territory in accordance with the priorities agreed between the two parties," according to a joint statement issued by the Somali Ministry of Defence after the signing of the agreement in Djibouti.

The ministry said the agreement outlines the modalities of intervention, reciprocal obligations, and coordination mechanisms, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

"The agreement illustrates Djibouti's unwavering commitment to supporting peace, security efforts in Somalia, and is part of a shared vision of regional stability," it said.

The agreement, signed in Djibouti by Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and acting Djiboutian Minister of Defence Ali Hasan Bahdon, is part of strengthening the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries, the ministry said.

The latest deal will enable Djibouti, which has been one of the troop-contributing countries in Somalia, to increase its troops to fight al-Shabab.