Report/ Qatar, Somalia… Strategic Partnerships for a Prosperous Future

Read Time:5 Minute, 51 Second

Doha, January 22 (QNA) – The working visit of HE President of the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the country is within the framework of continuous consultation and coordination between the two brotherly countries, and their keenness to develop their bilateral relations in a way that serves the common aspirations and interests of their two brotherly peoples.

Qatar and Somalia have strong historical relations, based on mutual respect, common understanding and coordination in regional and international forums, and are based on a set of common ties, foundations, interests, aspirations, and goals, regulated by a set of agreements and memorandums of understanding.

The relations between the two countries have witnessed prominent and distinguished milestones, which have contributed to consolidating the process of bilateral cooperation on the path to achieving the interests of the two countries, and the fraternal bilateral relations between the two countries have become stronger and more established under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Somali leaders and senior officials there are keen to visit Doha continuously, for further consultation and coordination between the leadership of the two countries on relations between Doha and Mogadishu and regional and international issues and topics of common interest.

In this regard, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held an official talks session in May 2023 at the Amiri Diwan.

At the outset of the session, HH the Amir welcomed HE President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the accompanying delegation, wishing them a pleasant stay, affirming His Highness’ keenness to enhance brotherly relations between the two countries and looking forward to further joint cooperation.

For his part, HE President of Somalia expressed his thanks and appreciation for HH the Amir for the good reception and hospitality, expressing his pride in the level of cooperation and development of relations between the two brotherly countries and pushing them to broader horizons in various fields. His Excellency also extended his thanks and appreciation to HH the Amir for the development support provided by the State of Qatar to the Somali people.

During the session, bilateral relations between Qatar and Somalia were discussed, as well as ways to support and develop them in various fields of cooperation – especially in development and economy, to serve the common interests and aspirations of the two brotherly peoples, in addition to discussing the most important regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The State of Qatar plays an important role in the implementation of many vital projects for development, reconstruction and rehabilitation in Somalia Such as building roads that extend for tens of kilometers and connect the capital, Mogadishu, to several cities like a two road projects, the Mogadishu-Jowhar road, the Mogadishu-Afgooye road, in addition to the State of Qatars contribution to the rehabilitation and construction of the headquarters of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the construction and rehabilitation of the Mogadishu Municipality Building, as well as other vital infrastructure projects. It also supports security capabilities, economic empowerment programs, and job creation for youth in Somalia.

Out of belief in humanitarian and Islamic duty, and out of sincere brotherhood, the State of Qatar provided humanitarian and relief aid to Somalia through Qatari institutions working in the development field, such as the Qatar Fund for Development, the Qatar Red Crescent, and Qatar Charity.

It also implemented and is implementing many development and sustainable projects and contributed significantly to projects to eradicate illiteracy and educate about 300,000 students, and another project to empower Somali youth economically and provide job opportunities for them in the fishing sector, to enhance stability, security, and peace in Somalia. It also supported the Trust Fund for Peace and reconciliation.

The State of Qatar is always keen, during all relevant occasions, to emphasize that it will remain a fundamental supporter of Somalia and its brotherly people, to achieve their hopes and aspirations for building their state and ensuring a prosperous future for its coming generations. Out of its keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries, the State of Qatar participated in the inauguration ceremony of HE the Somali President with a high-level delegation, this reflects the strength and distinction of the relations between the two countries, and the State of Qatar is one of the largest supporters of brotherly Somalia in various fields, especially education and building Somali people capable of contributing to building and developing their country, as Doha is considered one of the largest contributors to creating development projects in various Somali regions and governorates.

In addition to the above, the State of Qatar is known for its long experience in mediation issues to resolve disputes. Qatari diplomacy has played a positive and effective role in mediation between the parties in Somalia, as well as efforts to restore diplomatic relations between Somalia and Kenya, which consolidates Qatar’s position and its ability to resolve disputes through negotiation and dialogue and peaceful means. Somalia views with great appreciation the fraternal support it receives from the State of Qatar, and its standing with it over the past years until it reached the stage of recovery from war and instability.

There is several evidence and real programs that embody the meanings of true Qatari-Somali brotherhood and demonstrates the generous and continuous support, steadfast commitment, and absolute concern of the State of Qatar for the prosperity, security, and stability of Somalia.

Last September, during his visit to Doha, HE Prime Minister of the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia Hamza Abdi Barre praised the supporting position of the State of Qatar to his country in various circumstances, affirming that the Somali people will remember and appreciate these noble Qatari positions. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Somali Prime Minister said Qatar has never been reluctant in extending the hand of aid and support to all issues at all regional and international levels and forums.

He added that history will record the outstanding and pioneering role of Qatar and its people in the growth and development in Somalia which is demonstrated in supporting security, stability, and economic growth, by supporting the debt forgiveness program development projects and infrastructure. During their visits to Doha, senior Somali officials are keen to discuss trade and economic relations between the two countries, and ways to enhance and develop them by the public and private sectors, and to support trade exchange and stimulate investments.

The Federal Republic of Somalia seeks to attract Qatari investors to set up projects that can support development in the country and create job opportunities for its youth and children.

There are many sectors that can be invested in, especially agricultural projects, livestock, and fisheries, since Somalia has coasts that extend for more than 3,700 kilometers, Somalia also owns approximately 8.5 million hectares of fertile arable land, about 40 million heads of camels, sheep, and cows, and other opportunities in the energy sectors and various industries. (QNA)