The Second Summit of the Sana’a Forum for Cooperation – Joint Communiqué
1.H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic of Yemen, H.E. President Omer Hassen Ahmed El Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan and H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, met on 28 and 29 December 2003, in Addis Ababa for the Second Summit of the Sana’a Forum for Cooperation.
2.The Leaders commended the efforts made by the Executive Committee and the Specialized Committees to ensure the implementation of the follow up of the understanding reached at the First Summit. These activities have significantly contributed to the enhancement of the trilateral cooperation. In this regard, they renewed their commitment to make the Forum a framework for a multifaceted cooperation among the three countries and peoples as well as others in the region.
3.The Leaders took note of the report presented by H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh and extended their gratitude to H.E. the President for his excellent report and the commendable guidance he gave to the Sana’a Forum for Cooperation during its first year.
4.The Leaders noted with satisfaction that the cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and tourism between the three countries has deepened especially since the trilateral cooperation was established in October 2002. They also expressed their appreciation at the holding of the trade and cultural exhibition as a manifestation of the efforts deployed by the Specialized Committees. The Leaders, however, recognized that a lot remains to be done to further strengthen their cooperation.
5.The Leaders also reviewed the regional and international situation, which has a bearing on the Sana’a Forum for Cooperation. They expressed their strong desire and commitment to work closely to bring about sustainable peace and security in the Southern Red Sea and the Horn of Africa region. They further indicated that the Forum is open to other countries in the region, which adhere to the principles and objectives of the Forum.
6.The Leaders of Yemen and Ethiopia reaffirmed their support to the on-going peace process in the Sudan and stressed the vital importance of its successful conclusion to the peace and stability of the region.
7.With regard to the going Somali National Reconciliation Conference in Kenya, the Leaders expressed their concern over the slow pace of the process and called upon all the Somali parties to unite in support of the reconciliation process. They also urged the international community to continue its assistance for the success of the Reconciliation Conference.
8.The Leaders exchanged views on some of the most critical issues of common concern, including the threat of international and regional terrorism. They reiterated their condemnation to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and renewed their determination to cooperate with the international community in combating international terrorism.
9.The Leaders reaffirmed their support for an independent and United Iraq and the vital role of the United Nations for the reconstruction of Iraq.
10.The Leaders welcomed the initiatives aimed at finding a just and durable solution to the conflict in the Middle East on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions. They expressed their hope that the Road Map would finally lead to the realization of peace and stability in the Middle East.
11.The Leaders signed the Agreement establishing the Sana’a Forum for Cooperation with a view to developing a concrete framework that will further enhance the partnership between the three countries.
12.H.E President Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic of Yemen and H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, welcomed the offer made by H.E. President Omer Hassen Ahmed El Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan, to host the Third Summit of the Sana’a Forum for Cooperation in Khartoum, during the last week of December 2004.
13.At the conclusion of the Summit H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic of Yemen and H.E. President Omer Hassen Ahmed El Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan, expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the people and Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of the Ethiopia for the warm hospitality accorded to them and their delegations during their stay in Ethiopia.
Done at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the 29th of December 2003