By HAN News Desk
RABAT — Somalia and Morocco have signed a series of extensive cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and social relations, following high-level talks in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Hadliye Omar, met with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, where the two officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening what they described as a brotherly and strategic partnership between the two countries.
During the meeting, both sides signed a new cooperation roadmap that will guide joint initiatives between 2026 and 2028. The agreement covers a wide spectrum of sectors, including agriculture, water management, fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, education, vocational training, higher learning, public health, national security, economic investment, climate adaptation, sports and cultural exchange. Officials say the roadmap marks one of the most comprehensive frameworks ever agreed upon by Mogadishu and Rabat.
A major component of the deal is the expansion of annual scholarships for Somali students, increasing the number to 120. The programme will support university education across various levels and is expected to strengthen academic relations and professional development opportunities for young Somalis.
The two ministers also signed a diplomatic visa-waiver agreement, allowing Somali and Moroccan diplomats to travel between the two countries without the need for entry visas. Both governments said the move would ease official travel and encourage more frequent diplomatic engagement.
In their discussions, the ministers highlighted the importance of close political coordination in regional and international forums. They agreed that regular consultations would help harmonise their positions on shared issues, particularly those related to peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides expressed strong support for each country’s national independence and statehood, and they welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which they said reinforces stability and cooperation in the region.
Officials described the meeting as part of a wider effort to boost South–South cooperation, emphasising that the agreements represent a new phase in the relationship between Somalia and Morocco. The visit comes at a time when Somalia is actively expanding its diplomatic footprint across Africa and the Arab world, while Morocco continues to strengthen ties with East African nations.
