Somalia, Qatar seal new strategic cooperation deals

The joint ministerial committee between Somalia and Qatar convened its first meeting in Doha, marking what officials described as a significant step forward in the partnership between the two countries.

The Qatari side was headed by Sultan bin Saad Al‑Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while the Somali delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdi Salam Abdi Ali, along with other government officials.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to develop bilateral relations and enhance political and economic cooperation. They concluded their work by signing several agreements considered a foundation for deepening the strategic partnership between Doha and Mogadishu.

In the cultural field, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in heritage by linking national libraries and historical archives in both countries, organizing joint cultural and artistic events and festivals, encouraging the exchange of expertise in arts and literature, and participating in each other’s international book fairs.

The two sides also signed a customs agreement aimed at improving the implementation of customs laws and regulations, exchanging expertise in assessing duties and taxes, and enhancing mechanisms to combat violations, smuggling, and border infractions, while taking into account relevant regional and international agreements. This cooperation is expected to facilitate legitimate trade between the two countries and reduce risks associated with smuggling and transnational crime.

Regarding youth affairs, the agreement provides for expanding exchanges between youth organizations in both countries, enabling youth participation in joint conferences, forums, and training programs, as well as organizing youth camps and capacity‑building initiatives in project management and leadership skills. This track aims to empower young people to play a greater role in development and to exchange experiences among the rising generations in both nations.

On the agricultural front, Somalia and Qatar agreed to cooperate in developing agricultural production and improving food security through the exchange of expertise and scientific data, organizing workshops and specialized seminars, and supporting the use of modern technologies in agriculture, irrigation, and fertilization. This cooperation is expected to open opportunities for joint projects in agriculture and livestock production.

Both sides affirmed that these agreements reflect their political will to strengthen the strategic partnership and embody a “shared vision for building long‑term cooperation” in the fields of culture, youth, economy, and development.

The joint committee meeting came days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Doha to participate in an international forum (Doha forum) addressing issues of security, politics, and development cooperation. During the visit, the Somali president held meetings with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and senior Qatari officials, during which they discussed regional developments and ways to expand bilateral cooperation.

Mogadishu and Doha view the outcomes of the joint committee meeting as a practical step toward translating political understandings into tangible cooperation programs, within a broader effort to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in the coming years.