KIGALI – In a significant diplomatic milestone, the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Rwanda have signed a Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement aimed at deepening and broadening the bilateral relations between the two nations.
The agreement was formally signed in Kigali by H.E. Mr. Abdisalam Hadliye Omar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and H.E. Mr. Ilyas Ali Hassan, Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC), who also serves as the non-resident Ambassador to Rwanda and several other countries. Representing the Government of Rwanda at the signing ceremony was H.E. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
This newly signed agreement establishes a broad framework for collaboration between the two countries across key areas, including:
• Diplomacy and International Relations
• Trade and Investment Promotion
• Capacity Building and Institutional Development
• Economic and Cultural Cooperation
According to the joint communiqué issued after the signing ceremony, the purpose of the agreement is to strengthen the foundations of friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between Somalia and Rwanda. It seeks to facilitate greater interaction in various sectors of mutual interest, including political consultation, private sector engagement, and human resource development.
During the meeting, both ministers held in-depth discussions on enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation. They emphasized the importance of promoting economic integration within the East African Community (EAC), of which Somalia recently became a member, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared goals such as peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.
Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali highlighted that the agreement represents a new chapter in Somalia’s diplomatic engagement with Rwanda, noting that both countries share common aspirations for progress and regional harmony. He also expressed appreciation for Rwanda’s role in supporting regional peacekeeping initiatives and its contribution to Africa’s development agenda.
On his part, Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe welcomed the strengthening of ties between the two nations, underlining Rwanda’s readiness to work closely with Somalia in areas of mutual benefit. He stated that the cooperation framework will pave the way for practical programs, joint ventures, and exchanges in education, governance, and trade.
Both delegations agreed to establish a Joint Ministerial Committee that will oversee the implementation of the cooperation agreement and identify additional areas for partnership in the future.
Officials from both sides described the agreement as a historic step in building a long-term partnership based on respect, shared interests, and mutual benefit. The signing ceremony concluded with the reaffirmation of both governments’ commitment to continue working together towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and integrated East Africa.
