By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia has approved new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Somalia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the areas of media and culture.
The decision was made during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting held on Thursday in Mogadishu, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Officials said the agreements aim to promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and collaboration between Somali and Saudi media institutions.
Security Updates and Election Preparations
During the meeting, Somalia’s Police Commissioner, accompanied by the Commander of the Benadir Regional Police, briefed the Cabinet on the current security situation in the capital and across the country.
The briefing outlined progress in maintaining public safety and detailed new measures being taken to ensure security ahead of the upcoming Benadir Regional Council elections, which are expected to take place in the near future.
Ministers commended the efforts of Somali security forces, particularly the Armed Forces, for recent gains in ongoing operations against the al-Shabab militant group and for their continued work to safeguard the country’s stability.
“The Cabinet praised the security forces for their sacrifices and success in improving security conditions across the nation,” the government said in a statement.
Condemnation of Human Rights Violations
The Cabinet also strongly condemned recent incidents of violence and abuse against civilians that have been deemed contrary to Somali cultural values and Islamic principles.
Prime Minister Hamza Barre’s government directed law enforcement agencies to ensure that all individuals involved in the violations are brought to justice without delay.
“The government will not tolerate acts of abuse or violence against innocent citizens,” the statement added, emphasizing that accountability remains a cornerstone of the administration’s rule of law policy.
Somalia–Saudi Arabia Cooperation
The newly approved agreements with Saudi Arabia mark a continuation of Somalia’s diplomatic engagement with key Arab and Islamic partners. Officials noted that the partnerships aim to enhance knowledge-sharing in journalism, cultural preservation, and public communication.
The government says the move is part of a broader foreign policy strategy to deepen ties with Gulf nations, promote cultural diplomacy, and attract investment in media and creative industries.
The meeting concluded with the Cabinet reaffirming its commitment to national security, governance reforms, and international cooperation as Somalia continues its recovery and development efforts.
