Somali Defense Minister and UK Delegation Discuss Security Cooperation
May 8, 2025
Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, recently held a significant meeting with a high-level British delegation led by Ambassador Harriet Mathews, the Director General of the UK Foreign Office for Africa and the Americas.
The discussions, which took place in Mogadishu, also saw the participation of the British Ambassador to Somalia, Michael Nithavrianakis, alongside other officials from both sides.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring how the British government can further support Somalia in bolstering its security sector and developing its military capabilities. The delegation and Minister Fiqi engaged in constructive dialogue regarding strategies for counter-terrorism and strengthening Somalia’s national defense infrastructure.
During the meeting, Minister of Defense, Honorable Ahmed Fiqi, expressed his sincere appreciation to the British government for its consistent and active role in supporting Somalia.
This meeting reflects the continued commitment of both Somalia and the United Kingdom to collaborate on security matters and work towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
Source: Somalia media outlets.
Somali Fisheries Minister Meets Chinese Ambassador to Boost Blue Economy Cooperation
May 8, 2025
Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Mr. Ahmed Hassan Aden, today received the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Ambassador Wang Yu, and a visiting delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu. The Director General of the Ministry, Mr. Abdi Diirshe, also attended the meeting.
The discussions focused on strengthening the historic relationship between Somalia and China, with particular emphasis placed on expanding economic cooperation, especially within the vital sectors of fisheries and the blue economy.
Minister Ahmed Hassan Aden lauded the existing cooperative relationship in the fisheries and blue economy trade between the two countries. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to actively developing marketing opportunities for Somali fish products on the international stage.
In a significant move, Ambassador Wang Yu affirmed the readiness of the Chinese government to open its large markets to Somali businesses involved in fishing and the blue economy. He highlighted that these products could be sold tax-free in China, presenting a potentially lucrative opportunity for Somali exporters.
Beyond trade, the two sides also agreed to enhance collaboration in combating illegal fishing activities. They pledged to work together to support the development of legal and sustainable fishing practices and foster the overall growth of the blue economy between Somalia and China.
The meeting concluded with both the Minister and the Ambassador jointly reaffirming their support for safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Government of China.
Source: Somalia media outlets.
Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the Republic of Djibouti
May 7, 2025
Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan meets H.E. Mr. Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti.
On May 4, Ms. ERI paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of the Republic of Djibouti and held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti.
Through these occasions, they confirmed to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the regional and international arena, seizing the opportunity of TICAD 9, which will be held in Yokohama in August, and to further strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime security with the Djibouti, which is strategically located along maritime trade routes between Europe and Asia and is a strategically important partner in promoting a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’.
They also exchanged views on issues such as regional situation in Africa, strengthening the function of United Nations including Security Council reform, and regional situation in East Asia including policies toward North Korea such as its nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and concurred to continue working closely together to address these issues.
Source: Japan media outlets.
