Somalia and Saudi Arabia have shared commitment to building stronger ties that benefit their citizens and economies.
Today and in a significant step toward enhancing bilateral cooperation, H.E. Yusuf Mohamed Aden, Somalia’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, met with H.E. Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Muwallad, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Somalia.
The high-level meeting focused on boosting collaboration between Somalia and Saudi Arabia.
Especially in areas related to labour export, workforce development, and social affairs.
Focus on Labour Export Agreement
During the meeting, Minister Yusuf Mohamed Aden welcomed the growing relationship between both nations.
He also reaffirmed Somalia’s readiness to accelerate the implementation of the recent labour export agreement signed between the two governments.
The agreement aims to open new employment opportunities for Somali workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Notable Previous Agreements and Collaborations between Somalia and Saudi Arabia:
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.
4. Economic & Development Support via OPEC Fund (June 2024)
Somalia and Saudi Arabia joined a tripartite agreement with the OPEC Fund to support Somalia’s economic recovery.
This is aligned with debt relief efforts and broader economic reforms.
5. Broader Bilateral Cooperation (April 2024)
Following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Saudi Arabia, a joint statement outlined collaboration in:
- Trade and investment (including agriculture, livestock, transport)
- Energy, climate, and counterterrorism
- Education, culture, and infrastructure
These bilateral agreements showcase a rapidly strengthening relationship across multiple fronts—from labour mobility and security to economic development and infrastructure.
Each agreement plays a part in Somalia’s broader agenda of economic growth, stability, and regional integration.
