Saturday, July 5, 2025 — Horn Africa News (HAN)
Pretoria — Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdisalan Abdi Ali, held talks in Pretoria with his South African counterpart, H.E. Ronald Ozzy Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand areas of cooperation.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed a range of key issues, including coordination and consultation on matters of mutual interest at international forums, and preparations for agreements the two countries plan to sign. Among these is an agreement to exempt diplomatic and official passport holders from visa requirements.
Discussions also focused on easing the movement of people between the two nations, reopening South Africa’s diplomatic mission in Mogadishu, and strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and security.
Minister Abdisalan expressed his deep appreciation to the government and people of South Africa for hosting a large Somali community that actively contributes to the country’s business and economic sectors. He reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
For his part, Minister Lamola reiterated South Africa’s firm and unwavering support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He emphasized South Africa’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation and advancing practical initiatives that benefit both countries.
Somalia and South Africa have deep historical ties, and it is a symbol of the Somali government’s strong political and diplomatic support for South Africa, especially during its struggle against the apartheid rule.
