MOGADISHU – Somalia has reiterated its commitment to strengthening maritime security along its coastline to help safeguard key international shipping routes, according to the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalan Abdi Ali.
The minister delivered the remarks at the 4th EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, held in Brussels from 20–21 November, a high-level gathering that brought together delegations from more than 60 countries to discuss global security challenges, regional stability, multilateral cooperation, and the growing impact of climate change and geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Abdisalan underscored the importance of Somalia’s maritime strategy and the country’s crucial role in protecting major sea lanes. He stressed that enhanced collective action was needed to ensure the security and stability of regional waters.
“As a nation with the longest coastline in East Africa, these discussions directly align with our national priorities,” he said.
The minister noted that Somalia is rebuilding its maritime capabilities, improving the management and protection of its territorial waters, and expanding regional partnerships to secure essential trade corridors.
He highlighted the need for joint efforts to tackle shared challenges, including maritime crime, climate vulnerabilities, and security risks stemming from intensifying great-power competition.
Abdisalan also took part in a special ministerial session on Friday, where participants examined ways to strengthen dialogue, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and enhance cooperation in addressing emerging global threats.
“Today’s discussions take place at a time of heightened geopolitical complexity, marked by increasing rivalry among major powers. Global supply chains are under strain, and the world’s oceans have become arenas of growing competition,” he said.
The minister urged participating countries to work collectively in responding to the world’s most pressing challenges.
