Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – A high-level Somali government delegation led by Foreign Minister Abdisalam Hadliye Ali and Minister of Livestock, Forestry, and Range Hassan Hussein Mohamed arrived in Tanzania on Sunday to participate in the country’s 65th Independence Day celebrations and mark a significant milestone in Somalia–Tanzania diplomatic ties.
The Somali ministers were warmly received at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam by Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan, Somalia’s envoy to Tanzania and the East African Community. Their visit underscores the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations and coincides with the official inauguration of the new Somali embassy headquarters in Tanzania’s capital.
This is the first time a Somali delegation has participated in Tanzania’s Independence Day under the auspices of the newly established diplomatic mission in Dar es Salaam, led by Ambassador Ilyas. The event holds symbolic value as Somalia continues to deepen its regional integration and reassert its presence across East Africa.
The Embassy inauguration marks a renewed chapter in Somalia–Tanzania relations, with expanded cooperation expected in areas such as trade, agriculture, regional security, and cultural exchange.
In his brief remarks, Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali praised Tanzania’s support for Somalia and reiterated Mogadishu’s commitment to enhancing partnerships within the East African bloc. Hussein, whose portfolio includes agriculture and livestock — sectors crucial to both economies — expressed optimism for new bilateral programs that can boost food security and rural development.
Tanzania gained independence from British colonial rule on July 1, 1961. Somalia and Tanzania have maintained historical ties since the early days of African independence, and both countries are key members of the African Union and other regional forums promoting peace and development.
The Somali delegation is expected to hold sideline discussions with Tanzanian officials and regional diplomats during their stay.