As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote stability in the Horn of Africa, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received His Excellency Mr. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. This meeting underscored the deep fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Somalia and reflected the commitment of both countries' leadership to close coordination on critical issues.
Saudi Arabia takes a firm stance in support of Somali sovereignty
At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia over all its territory. He emphasized the necessity of respecting Somalia's unity and territorial integrity, expressing the Kingdom's categorical rejection of any practices or interventions that could undermine Somalia's security or destabilize its internal stability. This statement reinforces the Arab and Islamic position supporting Somali state institutions in their efforts to extend their authority and protect their national resources.
Strategic and historical dimensions of the relationship
This meeting cannot be viewed in isolation from the historical and strategic context of relations between Riyadh and Mogadishu. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been, and remains, a pivotal partner for Somalia throughout its various phases. These relations are based on ties of religion, Arab identity, and geographical proximity, with the Kingdom considering Somalia's security an integral part of Arab national security and the security of the Red Sea region. The Kingdom plays a leading role in supporting development and relief efforts in Somalia, in addition to its political support in international forums to ensure Somalia's return as an active and stable member of the international community.
The importance of stability in the Horn of Africa
This Saudi support is doubly important given the geopolitical challenges facing the Horn of Africa. The stability and territorial integrity of Somalia are fundamental to the security of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vital waterways for global trade and the Saudi economy. Therefore, the Foreign Minister's emphasis on "unity and territorial integrity" carries profound political implications, indicating a rejection of any attempts to partition Somalia or violate its sovereignty, thus contributing to the strengthening of regional peace and security.
Exploring avenues for joint cooperation
In addition to the political aspects, the meeting included a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them across various developmental, economic, and security fields. The two sides also discussed the latest developments in the region and exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, reflecting the convergence of visions between the two brotherly countries.
The high-level diplomatic meeting was attended by His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, and His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati, reflecting the great importance that the Kingdom attaches to this file.
