MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday formally received the credentials of Djibouti’s newly appointed ambassador to Somalia, Colonel Osman Dubad Sugulle, at the Villa Somalia presidential palace, reaffirming the “brotherly” bonds between the two Horn of Africa nations.
The Somali head of state congratulated the envoy on his new diplomatic mission and underlined the importance of broadening ties across political, security and economic development. In response, Ambassador Sugulle conveyed greetings and a message from Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him by the Somali government. Senior Somali officials had earlier welcomed the ambassador upon his arrival in Mogadishu, underscoring the high priority both nations attach to the new diplomatic posting.
Ambassador Sugulle previously served as commander of the Djiboutian contingent under the African Union peacekeeping mission’s Sector 4, now operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The Djiboutian forces stationed in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia were widely known as “Hiil-Walaal,” reflecting the close cooperation between the two countries in security and stabilization efforts. The Djiboutian contingent has been commended for its diligent service, and officials described the ambassador’s appointment as a step toward further strengthening longstanding bilateral relations.
Djibouti has remained one of Somalia’s closest allies, playing a significant role in peacekeeping, mediation and security sector development. Somalia and Djibouti have reached an agreement to enhance defence and security cooperation, a development officials say will bolster Somalia’s stabilization initiatives and improve regional coordination against common threats. President Mohamud travelled to Djibouti in March for a strategic working visit, holding talks with President Guelleh on security, trade and economic partnership.
The presentation of credentials by Ambassador Sugulle marks the formal start of his diplomatic mission, following the departure of his predecessor, Mohamed Ibraahim Yuusuf. The outgoing envoy concluded his mission earlier this month, with both sides stressing the enduring strategic alliance between the two neighboring countries. The ceremony also comes at a time when the two nations are deepening ties across multiple fronts, including joint planning, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination aimed at fortifying Somalia’s security apparatus and promoting stability across the Horn of Africa.
Recommended Reading on ftlsomalia.com:
- Djibouti’s New Ambassador to Somalia Welcomed in Mogadishu
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- Djibouti Ambassador Concludes Somalia Tour Amid Strategic Partnership Reaffirmation
- Djiboutian Contingent Commended for Their Diligence
