MUSCAT — Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, has held a series of high-level engagements with Omani officials during an official working visit to the Sultanate of Oman, focusing on cultural diplomacy, telecommunications, port development, and investment cooperation.
The visit demonstrates Somalia’s broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with international partners while underscoring the growing role of cultural diplomacy as a key pillar in Somalia’s re-engagement on the global stage.
Cultural Diplomacy at Oman’s National Museum
Minister Abdisalam toured the National Museum of Oman as part of his ongoing official visit, where he was informed about the museum’s extensive collection showcasing Oman’s rich history and cultural heritage. He explored various exhibits highlighting the country’s historical evolution and preservation efforts.
The minister commended Oman’s commitment to preserving its national heritage, noting that culture plays a vital role in shaping identity, fostering cooperation, and supporting Somalia’s ongoing progress and renewed international presence.
Telecommunications and Digital Development Cooperation
The Foreign Minister also met in Muscat with Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, to advance bilateral cooperation in vital sectors. The discussions emphasized prospects for increasing collaboration in transport, telecommunications, and ICT to boost connectivity, advance Somalia’s digital development, and expedite economic infrastructure growth.
The two officials confirmed their dedication to intensifying institutional partnerships and broadening cooperative ties. Conversations also addressed encouraging private sector involvement and improving coordination between technical bodies to achieve measurable results. This collaboration supports Somalia’s strategic objective of establishing itself as a regional center for commerce, connectivity, and technological advancement.
Port Development Talks with ASYAD Group
The Minister also held discussions in Muscat with senior leadership of the ASYAD Group on advancing development cooperation between the two nations. Minister Abdisalam and his delegation were welcomed by ASYAD Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Omar bin Mahmoud Al-Mahrazi, along with senior officials.
Talks centered on collaboration in port development, integrated logistics, and investment aligned with Somalia’s economic priorities. Both parties examined practical opportunities to improve port efficiency, enhance trade connectivity, and utilize Somalia’s maritime potential, considering its strategic position connecting the Red Sea, the Gulf, and East Africa.
The ASYAD Group demonstrated willingness to engage in technical cooperation and structured investment frameworks. The meeting underscores Somalia’s continuous efforts to establish itself as a competitive regional maritime hub, transforming strategic partnerships into concrete advancements in infrastructure development and economic growth, consistent with its Development Diplomacy agenda.
Somalia-Oman Ties on the Rise
The visit to Oman follows a pattern of strengthening bilateral relations between Mogadishu and Muscat. In February 2025, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre held official talks with Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, H.E. Fahd Al-Said, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Mogadishu Somali PM Receives Omani Deputy PM for Talks on Bilateral Ties and Regional Stability. The meeting between Prime Minister Barre and the Omani Deputy Prime Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in Mogadishu focused on finding mechanisms for mutual cooperation across various fields, particularly in the economic sector.
Renewed Business and Investment Ties
The diplomatic momentum between Somalia and Oman has translated into concrete economic engagement. In December 2025, senior Somali business leaders held a strategic forum with Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Qais Mohammed Al-Yousef Somalia and Oman Renew Business and Investment Ties. The high-level working session centered on forging practical strategies to expand trade, attract Omani investments into Somalia’s key productive sectors, and tackle the logistical hurdles that currently hinder regional integration.
“The bilateral trade volume between our countries is currently around 20 million dollars and is poised for significant growth. We are ready to deepen this commitment through tangible partnership models, including joint ventures, public–private partnerships, and direct investment,” Al-Yousef stated.
ASEZ: Somalia’s Special Economic Zone
Oman has expressed significant interest in investing in Somalia’s special economic zone. In February 2025, Abdirahman Ali Yabarow, Director of the Al-Ula Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), held a meeting with Ahmed bin Suwaidan Al-Maawali, CEO of the Omani Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) Somalia and Oman Discuss Cooperation for the Al-Ula Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).
Following the productive dialogue, Al-Maawali announced Ithraa’s preparedness to provide technical expertise and specialized training to ASEZ management staff. The Omani delegation was invited to conduct a formal visit to the Al-Ula zone in the coming months to evaluate first-hand the facilities available and finalize a structured partnership framework.
Commitment to Economic Transformation
The meetings between Minister Abdisalam and Omani officials reflect Somalia’s growing diplomatic and economic engagement with Gulf partners. The collaboration with Oman aligns with Somalia’s strategic objective of establishing itself as a regional center for commerce, connectivity, and technological advancement, leveraging its strategic position connecting the Red Sea, the Gulf, and East Africa.
The ASYAD Group’s demonstrated willingness to engage in technical cooperation and structured investment frameworks marks a significant step toward transforming Somalia’s maritime potential into concrete economic development. The visit underscores Somalia’s continuous efforts to establish itself as a competitive regional maritime hub, transforming strategic partnerships into concrete advancements in infrastructure development and economic growth, consistent with its Development Diplomacy agenda.
