MOGADISHU: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has received the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia, Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al‑Nuaimi, at his office in Mogadishu. The meeting focused on reinforcing the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and exploring avenues for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Barre briefed the ambassador on the federal government’s ongoing initiatives in security, political development, and national reconstruction. He also outlined the government’s intentions to conduct nationwide public elections as part of Somalia’s democratic transition. The Prime Minister previously hosted the Qatari ambassador in October 2025 for high‑level talks centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation, underscoring the enduring diplomatic engagement between Mogadishu and Doha.
Prime Minister Barre expressed gratitude to the government and people of Qatar for their sustained support to Somalia, particularly in infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, and initiatives aimed at preserving the unity and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia. He also commended Qatar’s involvement in Somalia’s security sector and its consistent collaboration in supporting the country’s recovery and state‑building processes. Somalia and Qatar formalized a defense cooperation agreement in Doha in January 2026, strengthening military ties and security collaboration. The agreement was signed by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, with Minister Fiqi describing it as “historic.” The pact emphasizes military training, security expertise sharing, and the advancement of defence capabilities as Somalia works to professionalize its armed forces.
In response, Ambassador Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al‑Nuaimi thanked Prime Minister Barre for the cordial reception and reaffirmed Qatar’s dedication to supporting Somalia in protecting its unity, cohesion, and development. He also highlighted the importance of intensifying bilateral collaboration and expanding connections between the two nations across multiple sectors. High‑level security cooperation between the two countries has continued, with Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), holding talks with Qatar’s Minister of State for Interior Affairs in Doha. The discussions focused on strengthening security coordination, intelligence sharing, and developing operational frameworks for infrastructure projects aimed at stability and public welfare in Somalia.
Qatar has emerged as a close political and security ally of Somalia in recent years, providing diplomatic backing and support for state‑building efforts. The partnership has expanded across political, economic, and development fronts, with Qatar viewed by Somalia as one of its closest strategic partners in the Gulf. The meeting between Prime Minister Barre and Ambassador Al‑Nuaimi reinforces the strong bilateral relationship at a critical juncture, as Somalia continues to navigate security challenges, political transitions, and long‑term development objectives.
