MOGADISHU, (HAN) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Hamad Al-Sabah, in Doha on the sidelines of the Arab-Islamic Summit, to discuss ways of strengthening the longstanding relations between the two nations.
According to the Somali presidency, the talks focused on deepening historical ties and opening new avenues of cooperation in political, economic, and development sectors. President Mohamud underscored Somalia’s appreciation for Kuwait’s consistent support over the years, particularly in humanitarian aid and development projects, while highlighting the need for further collaboration to advance mutual interests.
For his part, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to standing alongside Somalia as it continues its state-building efforts. He emphasized Kuwait’s readiness to explore new areas of partnership, including investment, infrastructure development, and capacity-building initiatives.
The meeting comes at a crucial moment for Somalia, which is undertaking major reforms in governance, security, and financial stability. Earlier the same day, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced that his government had formally requested $40 million in financial support from Kuwait. The funds would be directed toward the printing of the Somali shilling, a critical step in stabilizing the national currency and boosting public confidence in the country’s economy.
Observers note that Somalia’s outreach to Kuwait reflects Mogadishu’s wider diplomatic push to strengthen ties with Gulf nations, both to secure financial backing for its economic reforms and to expand regional cooperation in trade and investment.
Kuwait and Somalia have enjoyed longstanding relations rooted in shared Arab and Islamic identity. Kuwait has historically provided humanitarian assistance during Somalia’s crises, as well as scholarships and development aid. The latest meeting signals a renewed commitment to elevating the partnership to a more strategic level.
