MOGADISHU – The Federal Government of Somalia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have held high-level discussions on the security situation in the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, reaffirming their commitment to protecting international shipping lanes and regional stability.
The talks, conducted via a phone call between Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing shared security concerns in one of the world’s busiest maritime choke points. According to a joint statement issued after the call, both sides agreed on the importance of securing international waters, particularly the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
Somalia has previously warned that any country interfering in its internal affairs could face repercussions, including potential restrictions on access to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a waterway through which an estimated 14 percent of global trade passes, linking the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.
Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty
During the call, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once again affirmed its position on supporting the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Prince Faisal reiterated Riyadh’s commitment to Somalia’s security and explicitly rejected any actions that could jeopardise the nation’s stability.
Saudi Arabia has consistently voiced political backing for Somalia’s territorial integrity and its efforts against the Al-Shabaab militant organisation, with both ministers exploring various avenues to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Growing Security Cooperation in the Red Sea
The talks come amid increasing regional and international attention on the security of the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, particularly following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and its efforts to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa. Somalia has been actively engaging with regional powers to secure the Red Sea corridor.
The Federal Government has acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding a proposed tripartite security arrangement with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, focusing on enhancing collaboration on Red Sea security and broadening military partnerships. The proposed accord emphasises enhancing strategic security cooperation and reinforcing the collective contribution of the three nations to regional stability.
Somalia and Saudi Arabia have previously established a landmark cooperation agreement focused on port development and maritime transport, aiming to enhance economic relations and reinforce collaborative security along critical Red Sea trade routes. The two countries have also intensified their cooperation by signing a major military and security pact designed to safeguard critical sea lanes and counter regional instability.
Commitment to International Law and Regional Stability
Saudi Arabia also called for respect for international law and the principles of maintaining regional stability, underscoring its commitment to continued cooperation with Somalia. The Kingdom reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening collaboration with Mogadishu in addressing shared challenges.
The discussions come at a time when Israel has been attempting to expand its influence over the strategic Red Sea and Indian Ocean maritime routes, a development that has raised security concerns across the region. Somalia and its international partners have consistently opposed such moves and have intensified efforts to secure maritime security and protect vital international shipping lanes.
Way Forward
The phone call between the two foreign ministers reflects the growing strategic partnership between Somalia and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of maritime security and regional stability. As both countries continue to coordinate on Red Sea security, the alignment of their positions on the Bab al-Mandab Strait is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future security architecture of the Horn of Africa.
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