By Horn Africa News
TOKYO – For the first time in 38 years, Somalia has appointed an ambassador to Japan, marking a significant step in reviving bilateral relations between the two nations.
Somalia’s Ambassador to China, Hodan Osman Abdi, on Monday formally presented her credentials to Mr. Miyashita Tadayuki, Director-General of Protocol at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Tokyo.
Although based in Beijing, Ambassador Hodan will officially represent Somalia in both China and Japan. During the meeting, she discussed Somalia’s diplomatic agenda in Japan and emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
She noted that her top priorities will include expanding political, economic, and diplomatic ties, expressing optimism that relations between Mogadishu and Tokyo will reach new heights.
Japan has historically been among Somalia’s strongest partners, offering support following Somalia’s independence from Italy and Britain.
Over the years, Tokyo has funded critical development projects that have played a vital role in supporting the Somali people.
