By Horn Africa News
Somalia has taken significant steps to strengthen its role within the East African Community (EAC), with a high-level delegation participating in a series of ministerial meetings held at the bloc’s headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
Somalia’s Participation
The Somali delegation, led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister for EAC Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, joined counterparts from all eight member states. The meetings, running from August 31 to September 6, are expected to conclude today.
The sessions included:
- The 35th Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers for Planning and Affairs
- The 58th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers
Key Agendas
Discussions focused on critical regional priorities, including:
- The 7th EAC Development Strategy
- Review of the EAC Vision 2050
- Addressing non-tariff barriers to trade
Bilateral Engagements
In addition to the main sessions, Minister Omar held private talks with the EAC Secretary General. The discussions explored:
- Somalia’s roadmap for deeper integration into the bloc
- Recruitment of Somali professionals into the EAC Secretariat
- Harmonization of Somali passports with regional standards to ease travel
Somalia’s Regional Role
Somalia formally became the eighth member of the EAC in March 2024. Its long coastline and strategic location provide the bloc with new trade and cooperation opportunities.
The Arusha meetings mark a pivotal step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to align itself with EAC policies and institutions, underscoring its ambition to play a more active role in advancing regional integration and cooperation.
