The Qatari-Somali diplomatic relations are witnessing continuous development based on the two countries political leadership’s desire reflected through the ongoing talks between officials and the joint and continuous keenness to support these relations to advance them towards deeper horizons in a way that serves common interests, goals, and aspirations.
Within the framework of the ongoing talks and enhancing bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two brotherly countries, HE President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud arrived in Doha Tuesday on a visit to the country.
HE Somali President’s visit to Doha falls under the successive senior officials’ visits made to Qatar to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, ways to support and develop them, and the latest developments in the regional and international arenas of common concern.
In this regard, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met with HE President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud on March 5, on the sidelines of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) held at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).
On every occasion, the two sides affirmed their determination to enhance cooperation in various fields that serve the interests of the two brotherly peoples and countries.
On Nov. 23, HE President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received the credentials of HE Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al Nuaimi as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
On Oct. 5, the State of Qatar renewed, before the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in its 51st session, its support for the brotherly Somali people to build a state of institutions and the rule of law, which guarantees Somalis all their rights and respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, during the interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, under the 10th item on the council’s agenda.
On June 28, HE the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hamza Abdi Barre affirmed that Qatar is an important partner for Somalia, thanking it for its support in the reconstruction of the Government Presidency Building Project funded by the Qatar Fund for Development, during his inspection of the final stages of the project.
The State of Qatar also participated on Jun. 9 in the inauguration ceremony of HE President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud. The State of Qatar was represented in the ceremony by HE Minister of State Sheikh Fahd bin Faisal Al-Thani, reaffirming the depth and strength of bilateral relations between the two countries, Qatar’s support to Somalia in all fields, and keenness on its stability, progress, and prosperity.
In April 2022, Qatar University (QU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mogadishu University to establish joint cooperation covering different, scientific, administrative, technical, and research areas. most importantly, to promote the Arabic language programs in Somalia, which the University of Mogadishu prioritizes in all its programs. The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies also signed an MoU with Mogadishu University in Somalia to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in scientific research and areas of common interest.
Following up on the Somali issue, the State of Qatar participated, in early March, in the meeting in Somalia held in the US capital, Washington, to discuss Somalia’s security, state-building, development, humanitarian priorities, how to better support its efforts and strengthen its ability to withstand future climate shocks. At the end of the meeting, the participants welcomed the invitation of the State of Qatar to hold the next meeting in Doha.
At the beginning of 2023, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) organized an eye surgery and anti-blindness medical convoy, carried out at De Martino Public Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, in cooperation with Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Health, the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), and the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Somalia to provide medical assistance for poor and displaced people with eye diseases in the Banaadir region, with a special focus on people with special needs and those living at camps in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.
On Jan. 26, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) to drought-affected people in Somalia. The aid contained 2,000 tons of food supplies for the benefit of more than 200,000 people affected by the drought in the country in five states. This urgent aid comes to address the drought and contribute to improving livelihoods, easing the Somali people’s economic burdens. It is worth noting that QFFD, along with Qatar Charity, sent 45 tons of food aid to Somalia to combat drought in March 2022 in cooperation with the Amiri Air Force.
Qatar Charity launched an urgent response appeal in mid-June to confront the wave of drought, which prompted many people to flee their areas of origin to displacement camps, provide urgent relief aid and offer the essential requirements for those affected, to save the lives of more than half of its endangered population.
Somalia views with great appreciation the continuous fraternal support it receives from the State of Qatar, and Doha’s firm commitment to the prosperity, security, and stability of Somalia. The Republic of Somalia also seeks to attract Qatari investors to establish projects that can support the development of the country.
Source: Qatar News Agency
