New York – In a significant diplomatic engagement at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Somalia and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, concluded fruitful discussions with his Somali counterparts, highlighting the robust partnership between the two nations.
The talks, centered around enhancing cooperation across various sectors, showcased the UAE’s ongoing support for Somalia’s state-building efforts and stability. Both nations discussed expanding economic ties, security collaboration, and development initiatives, signaling a mutual interest in fostering a strategic alliance.
The discussions come at a time when the UAE has been increasingly involved in Somalia, not only through diplomatic channels but also in military and economic support, aiming to counter regional instability particularly posed by groups like Al-Shabaab.
Somali officials expressed gratitude for the UAE’s contributions, which include military training programs, infrastructure projects, and humanitarian aid. The UAE’s role in Somalia is seen as part of a broader strategy to secure maritime routes and counter-terrorism, in line with its geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa.
This partnership was further underscored by recent events, including a joint military operation against Al-Shabaab, illustrating the practical dimensions of their strategic alignment. The operation, which resulted in significant losses for the militant group, was a testament to the coordinated efforts between Somalia’s military and UAE-backed forces.
The meetings at UNGA79 also touched on regional security, with a focus on maritime security and combating piracy, areas where the UAE has shown keen interest due to its strategic implications for global trade routes.
Both nations expressed optimism about the future, with plans to convene a joint economic commission that would explore new avenues for investment, trade, and technological cooperation, aligning with the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and Somalia’s need for reconstruction and development.
The deepening of ties between Somalia and the UAE at such a high-profile international forum like UNGA79 not only strengthens their bilateral relationship but also positions them as key players in regional stability and economic development.
