MOGADISHU — Somalia and Saudi Arabia have established a landmark cooperation agreement focused on port development and maritime transport, aiming to enhance economic relations between the two nations and reinforce collaborative security along the critical Red Sea trade routes.
The agreement was formalized by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.
Modernizing Maritime Infrastructure
According to a joint statement, the comprehensive agreement encompasses port development, export promotion, investment opportunities, and technical knowledge exchange. The deal also facilitates increased cooperation in maritime infrastructure and related economic sectors, reflecting the Cabinet’s recent push for international transport partnerships.
Somali officials anticipate the partnership will modernize port facilities, significantly enhance operational efficiency, and draw foreign investment as Mogadishu aims to establish the nation as a highly competitive commercial maritime hub in the Horn of Africa.
Securing the Red Sea
This economic agreement extends upon the rapidly growing diplomatic ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh. The two countries have recently intensified their cooperation, signing a major military and security pact designed to safeguard critical sea lanes and counter regional instability.
The new partnership perfectly aligns with Somalia’s comprehensive blue economy strategy, aiming to bolster regional connectivity and facilitate seamless trade across East Africa and the Gulf.
