MOGADISHU — Somalia and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and safeguarding regional stability, following a telephone conversation between Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
According to a statement released by Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers discussed ways to deepen cooperation between their countries and exchanged views on regional developments, particularly issues affecting security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
During the conversation, both sides underscored the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and political independence. They also rejected any actions that could undermine the country’s security or threaten regional peace.
“His Royal Highness reiterated the Kingdom’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and political independence,” Somalia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministers further highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining security in international maritime corridors, emphasizing the need to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of global shipping routes passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, some of the world’s busiest waterways for international trade.
Saudi Arabia and Somalia have maintained longstanding diplomatic relations, with Riyadh playing a significant role in supporting Somalia through humanitarian assistance, economic cooperation, and regional security initiatives. The two countries also cooperate within regional and international organizations on issues affecting the broader Middle East and Horn of Africa.
The phone call comes at a time when Somalia is seeking increased regional and international support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa. The region has witnessed heightened diplomatic activity over the past year, driven by security concerns, maritime challenges, and competition over strategic trade routes connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Analysts say continued Saudi support is important for Somalia as it works to strengthen state institutions, enhance security, and attract greater investment and development partnerships.
Both ministers expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and maintaining close coordination on issues of mutual interest, according to the Somali Foreign Ministry.
