Saudi Arabia and Somalia: Strengthening cooperation and supporting stability in the Horn of Africa
In a diplomatic move underscoring the depth of bilateral relations, His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia met with His Excellency Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. This important meeting, held on the sidelines of international events hosted by Uganda, provided a platform to discuss ways to strengthen and develop cooperation between the two brotherly countries in various fields.
At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency Engineer Al-Khuraiji conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister – may God protect them – to His Excellency the President of Somalia, along with their sincere wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the government and people of Somalia. For his part, His Excellency President Sheikh Mohamud asked His Excellency the Deputy Minister to convey his greetings and appreciation to the Kingdom's leadership, expressing his wishes for further development and prosperity for the Kingdom and its people.
Historical background and established relationships
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Somalia share deep-rooted historical ties, based on profound religious, cultural, and social bonds. The Kingdom has consistently stood by Somalia through various phases of its history, providing humanitarian, developmental, and political support to contribute to achieving security and stability and rebuilding state institutions. Saudi support is a pivotal element in regional and international efforts aimed at helping Somalia overcome its challenges, particularly in the areas of combating terrorism, achieving national reconciliation, and fostering economic development.
Strategic importance and regional impact
This meeting is of paramount strategic importance, given Somalia's crucial geopolitical location on the Horn of Africa, overlooking one of the world's most vital shipping lanes: the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. The Kingdom's commitment to strengthening Somalia's stability aligns with its strategic vision (Vision 2030), which underscores the importance of security and stability in the Red Sea region. A secure and stable Somalia not only serves the interests of its people but also directly contributes to international maritime security and the fight against piracy and terrorism—a shared interest of the Kingdom and the entire international community.
During the talks, a comprehensive review of cooperation between the two brotherly countries was conducted, and ways to support and develop it across all sectors were discussed. Key issues of mutual interest on the regional and international stages were also addressed. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Uganda, and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Mohammed bin Khalil Faloda, reflecting the Kingdom's official commitment to these relations.
