SEATTLE — The General Manager of the Port of Mogadishu, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nur Ameriko, has met with Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson to discuss opportunities for cooperation, institutional partnerships, and the exchange of expertise between the Somali capital and the US city.
The meeting, held at the Seattle mayor’s office, focused on areas of mutual interest including port operations, maritime development, logistics, trade facilitation, urban management, and sharing technical knowledge between public institutions.
Ambassador Ameriko thanked Mayor Wilson for the reception and highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Somali and American cities. He also praised Seattle’s engagement with East African communities, including the Somali diaspora, and emphasized the role of international partnerships in supporting economic growth and development.
“Cooperation between cities can create valuable opportunities for sharing experience and improving public services,” Amerko said, according to officials familiar with the meeting. He added that Mogadishu is seeking to benefit from global best practices in port management, infrastructure development, and modern logistics systems.
Seattle, a major US port city with extensive experience in maritime trade and transportation, was highlighted as a potential partner for knowledge exchange as Somalia works to expand the capacity of the Port of Mogadishu and strengthen its role as a regional trade hub.
Officials said the discussions reflect growing efforts by Somali institutions to build international partnerships beyond traditional diplomatic channels by engaging directly with cities, businesses, and technical organizations.
The Port of Mogadishu is one of Somalia’s most important economic assets, serving as a key gateway for imports and exports and contributing significantly to the country’s trade activities. In recent years, authorities have focused on improving port efficiency, expanding services, and attracting investment to support Somalia’s economic recovery.
The meeting is part of wider initiatives aimed at strengthening Somalia’s international cooperation, improving institutional capacity, and creating new opportunities for economic development.
By strengthening links with global maritime centers, Somali officials say they hope to accelerate modernization efforts and position Mogadishu as a more competitive commercial hub in the Horn of Africa.
