Saturday, July 5, 2025 — Horn Africa News (HAN)
Pretoria — Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abdisalan Abdi Ali, held a high-level meeting in Pretoria with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, H.E. Ronald Ozzy Lamola, to discuss strengthening ties between the two nations.
The talks focused on enhancing security cooperation, boosting trade relations, and facilitating travel between Somalia and South Africa.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a memorandum of understanding that would ease the movement of people and promote the exchange of diplomatic and official passports.
A key part of the discussions addressed the safety of Somali businesspeople living and working in South Africa. Minister Abdisalan thanked the South African government for hosting a vibrant Somali business community and raised concerns over the violence and challenges Somali traders continue to face.
He called for increased protection and support to ensure their safety and well-being.
Minister Lamola reiterated South Africa’s firm support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He underlined his government’s dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing shared challenges to foster a safer, more productive environment for Somali nationals in South Africa.
