RIYADH – The Somali Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Amin Sheikh Osman, held talks in the Saudi capital with the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, focusing on strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering greater collaboration between the six-member Gulf bloc and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh, explored opportunities to expand cooperation in areas including security, economic development and broader regional collaboration. Both sides reviewed the latest developments on the regional and international arenas, in addition to issues of common interest.
GCC Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Security and Sovereignty
During the discussions, GCC Secretary-General Albudaiwi reaffirmed the Gulf states’ continued support for Somalia, highlighting their dedication to initiatives that advance the nation’s security, unity, stability, and sovereignty. According to an official statement from the GCC General Secretariat, Albudaiwi affirmed the bloc’s support for the Federal Republic of Somalia in all that would back its security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in a manner that ensures a dignified life for its brotherly people.
The Secretary-General’s remarks align with the GCC’s longstanding position on Somalia’s territorial integrity. The GCC has consistently stood in solidarity with Mogadishu against external maneuvers that threaten its stability, particularly regarding attempts to recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state.
Saudi-Somali Defence and Security Cooperation
Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, hosted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Somalia, Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Muwallad, in Mogadishu to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in security and defence cooperation.
Fiqi conveyed profound gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s substantial and ongoing support to Somalia, praising the Kingdom’s contributions to the defence sector, including aid for counter-terrorism operations and initiatives to improve the Somali National Armed Forces’ capacity and effectiveness. The minister highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s assistance plays a key role in the Federal Government’s drive to maintain Somalia’s stability across the wider Horn of Africa region.
Economic Cooperation and Investment Talks
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre welcomed the Saudi Ambassador to Somalia for a diplomatic meeting focused on strengthening long-standing bilateral relations, with emphasis on enhancing economic collaboration and advancing development projects.
The talks allowed both officials to assess ongoing cooperation in security, economic investment, and social sectors, with a key goal of finding ways to expedite Saudi-funded development projects to ensure immediate benefits for the Somali population. Prime Minister Barre stressed the need to shift from aid to trade, calling for greater Saudi investment in Somalia’s essential infrastructure, which he described as crucial for economic recovery and lasting stability.
The Saudi ambassador confirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to its strategic partnership with Somalia and assured that Saudi Arabia intends to increase its support, both through humanitarian assistance and by launching new development initiatives that align with Somalia’s national objectives.
Diplomatic Engagement Beyond Bilateral Ties
Somalia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mohamed Sheikh Issak, participated in Saudi Founding Day celebrations held in Pretoria, hosted by Saudi Ambassador Faisal F. Al-Harbi. The event was designed to strengthen bilateral relations between Somalia and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that diplomatic engagement between the two nations continues across multiple capitals.
Regional Context and International Support
The meeting between Ambassador Osman and Secretary-General Albudaiwi takes place against a backdrop of increased international engagement with Somalia. The GCC has consistently stood in solidarity with Mogadishu against external maneuvers that threaten its stability, particularly regarding attempts to recognize Somaliland.
The Arab League and IGAD have joined the GCC in rejecting any unilateral recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. For Somalia, strengthening ties with the GCC is a strategic priority as the country continues its state-building efforts and seeks to attract investment and economic cooperation from Gulf states.
Way Forward for Somalia-GCC Relations
The Riyadh meeting represents a continued commitment from both sides to deepen their partnership. For Somalia, strengthening ties with the GCC is a strategic priority as the country continues its state-building efforts and seeks to attract investment and economic cooperation from Gulf states.
For the GCC, supporting Somalia’s stability and territorial integrity aligns with broader regional security interests, particularly concerning maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, counterterrorism cooperation, and the prevention of external interference in the Horn of Africa.
Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and explore joint initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, security, and development assistance.
