In a move that strengthens bilateral ties between Somalia and Saudi Arabia, Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, H.E. Ahmed Hassan Adam, held an official meeting on Wednesday with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Muwallad, at the ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu.
Boosting Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy Investment
The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation, focusing on the development of the fishing sector, expansion of blue economy initiatives, and increasing joint investment opportunities.
The talks reflect a shared commitment to leveraging natural resources and promoting food security.
Notable Previous Agreements and Collaborations between Somalia and KSA:
1. Civil Aviation MoU (March 2016)
Somalia’s Transport Minister and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
It permits each country’s national carriers to operate up to:
- 4 regular passenger flights per week
- 7 weekly cargo flights
This aimed to restore and enhance air connectivity between Somalia and Saudi Arabia.
2. Labour Export and Migration Framework (May 2025)
A Labour MoU was signed between Somalia’s Ministry of Labour and Saudi authorities.
Highlights include:
- Opening legal employment channels for Somali workers (professionals & domestic staff)
- Creating structured, safe migration pathways
- Emphasizing worker rights, youth employment, and skill development.
3. Security Cooperation Agreement (February 2024; ratified May 2025)
Somalia and KSA entered a security and counterterrorism pact involving:
- Intelligence-sharing
- Joint efforts to combat al‑Shabaab
- Collaboration between Somalia’s NISA and Saudi Royal Security Agency
This was formalized by Saudi Cabinet approval in May 2025.
Saudi Arabia’s Continued Support for Somali Development
Minister Ahmed Hassan Adam praised Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in supporting Somalia’s development efforts and expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s readiness to deepen collaboration.
Especially in marine resource utilization and sustainable growth.
Joint Technical Committee: A Strategic Step Forward
Ambassador Al-Muwallad reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to backing Somalia’s sustainable development goals and emphasized the importance of intensifying maritime cooperation to serve mutual interests.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to form a joint technical committee to oversee and implement related projects, advancing strategic objectives in fisheries and the blue economy.
