United Nations headquarters

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Thursday welcomed the UN Security Council’s decision to lift the arms embargo and targeted sanctions imposed on Eritrea nearly nine years ago.

Farmajo, who thanked the council for its decision to lift the sanctions, said the move came because of the unity efforts spearheaded by regional countries.

“We welcome the arms and other targeted embargoes on Eritrea been lifted with our collective request.

“Thanks to the UN Security Council for this helpful and timely intervention,’’ Farmajo said in a statement.

The Somali president said the Horn of Africa region is swiftly progressing towards partnership and economic cooperation.

His remarks came after the UN Security Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to lift arms embargoes, travel bans, asset freezes and targeted sanctions against Eritrea following its good relations with Ethiopia and other neighbouring countries.

The council imposed sanctions on Eritrea in 2009 for its alleged support of al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia.

The UN’s most powerful body slapped more sanctions on the Horn of African country in three other resolutions from 2011 to 2013.

Wednesday’s resolution by the council recognised that UN monitors have “not found conclusive evidence that Eritrea supports al-Shabaab.”

(Xinhua/NAN)