BAKU: Somalia’s Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, Ayub Ismail Yusuf, held bilateral talks with his Qatari counterpart, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, on the sidelines of the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in urban development, housing, infrastructure projects, and the exchange of technical expertise for the benefit of both nations and their populations.
The meeting reflects the expanding partnership between Mogadishu and Doha, which has deepened across multiple sectors in recent years. Somalia and Qatar have reinforced their strategic partnership, with Doha providing consistent support in infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, and security sector reform. Qatar is widely regarded as one of Somalia’s closest strategic partners in the Gulf region.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre recently hosted Qatar’s ambassador in Mogadishu for high-level talks centered on reinforcing bilateral relations, covering political, economic, and development matters. Security and infrastructure cooperation between the two nations has also intensified, with senior Somali officials engaging Qatari counterparts on joint projects aimed at stability and public welfare.
The World Urban Forum, organised by UN‑Habitat, brought together governments, development banks, and international partners to address housing, urban planning, and climate resilience. In his address to the forum, Minister Yusuf outlined Somalia’s integrated strategy linking housing, land management, climate adaptation, and local economic development. He highlighted strategic projects in Beledweyne, Doolow, and the Jasiira area of Mogadishu, which focus on affordable housing and climate‑resilient urban centres.
Somalia holds a leadership role at UN‑Habitat. In November 2025, the country was elected co‑chair of the UN‑Habitat Executive Board, the first time Somalia has held such a position at the agency. The Ministry of Public Works has also been actively cooperating with UN‑Habitat on urban planning and durable solutions for internally displaced persons.
Somalia and Qatar formalised a defence cooperation agreement in Doha in January 2026, further solidifying their strategic alliance. The meeting between Minister Yusuf and Minister Al Attiya in Baku underscores the deepening ties between the two nations and paves the way for further collaboration on housing, infrastructure, and urban development as Somalia continues to rebuild and modernise its cities.
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