ANTALYA — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut have held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, exploring ways to strengthen ties between Somalia and Serbia .
The two leaders concentrated on increasing diplomatic connections and collaborative efforts in areas of shared interest, demonstrating both nations’ desire to fortify global alliances and intensify political discussions .
President Mohamud highlighted Somalia’s dedication to widening its international diplomatic relations, while also stressing cooperative frameworks that advance development objectives and common global targets .
Somalia-Serbia Healthcare Cooperation Agreement
The meeting follows a significant bilateral agreement signed between Somalia and Serbia in September 2025. Somalia and Serbia signed a new agreement aimed at boosting cooperation in the healthcare sector, allowing Somali citizens to access medical treatment in Serbia while promoting training opportunities and knowledge exchange between the two nations .
The agreement was formalized at a ceremony attended by the prime ministers of both countries, signaling the growing strength of diplomatic relations between Mogadishu and Belgrade. According to a statement from Somalia’s Embassy in Serbia, the pact covers patient care, professional development for healthcare workers, and joint initiatives to improve medical standards .
Officials highlighted that the deal is designed to address gaps in Somalia’s healthcare system while creating opportunities for Somali medical professionals to benefit from Serbia’s expertise and advanced facilities. In return, Serbia will deepen its engagement in the Horn of Africa, strengthening bilateral ties that have expanded in recent months across trade, defense, and education .
Defense Cooperation and Military Assistance
The diplomatic engagement between Mogadishu and Belgrade extends beyond healthcare into defense cooperation. The Federal Government of Somalia has secured substantial military assistance from key international allies including Serbia, with the delivery of advanced weaponry and equipment .
Senior military officials have confirmed the arrival of new hardware designed to enhance the operational capacity and preparedness of the Somali National Army. In addition to Turkish and Egyptian aid, authorities confirmed that Serbia has contributed military weapons and equipment to Somalia’s defense capabilities .
Somali Defence Minister Attends Serbian Ceremony at UNGA
The growing partnership was further underscored at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi joined world leaders at an honorary ceremony hosted by Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the sidelines of UNGA in New York .
The event, attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and the First Lady, celebrated international cooperation under the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), of which both Somalia and Serbia are long-standing members. Fiqi’s participation underscored Somalia’s diplomatic outreach during UNGA80, signaling Mogadishu’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties with Belgrade while promoting multilateralism grounded in peace, stability, and mutual respect .
“Somalia remains firmly aligned with the spirit of the Non-Aligned Movement — advocating global solidarity over polarization,” Fiqi affirmed, according to officials accompanying the delegation .
Somalia’s Broader Diplomatic Outreach
President Mohamud’s meeting with Prime Minister Macut is part of Somalia’s broader strategy to diversify international partnerships beyond traditional allies. President Mohamud arrived in Antalya, Türkiye, to participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which brings together representatives from 147 countries .
This year’s forum, themed “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” aims to address pressing global challenges and foster international cooperation. The forum has provided an opportune setting for Somalia to engage with world leaders and advance its diplomatic objectives .
Diplomatic Relations with Ukraine Established at ADF
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum has previously served as a platform for Somalia to expand its diplomatic footprint. On the sidelines of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025), Somalia and Ukraine signed a protocol formalizing the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries . This significant development marked the beginning of formal diplomatic engagement between Somalia and Ukraine, opening avenues for bilateral cooperation in various sectors such as trade, security, and cultural exchange .
Somalia-Türkiye Bilateral Talks at the Forum
During the same forum, President Mohamud also engaged with Turkish leadership. President Mohamud and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan convened on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to discuss the enduring brotherly ties between Somalia and Türkiye, focusing on deepening cooperation in trade and security .
Somalia’s Active Role in Global Diplomacy
President Mohamud’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum reflects Somalia’s growing engagement on the international stage. President Mohamud has previously called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council, emphasizing Africa’s significant contribution to global peace and security while noting that the continent still lacks permanent representation .
The President has urged for unity and persistent diplomacy to achieve meaningful reforms grounded in justice and equality, reaffirming Somalia’s dedication to enhancing and modernizing the international system .
Commitment to Expanding International Partnerships
Diplomatic observers note that Somalia’s engagement with Serbia fits into a broader strategy of diversifying partnerships beyond traditional allies, particularly in defense cooperation, healthcare, education, and peacebuilding initiatives. Both countries have in recent years expressed interest in expanding collaboration within international forums, including the UN and NAM platforms .
The meeting between President Mohamud and Prime Minister Macut at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 occurred at a premier forum that convenes worldwide leaders to exchange perspectives on critical worldwide and regional matters and encourage solution-oriented conversations .
The discussion demonstrated both nations’ desire to fortify global alliances and intensify political discussions, with President Mohamud highlighting Somalia’s dedication to widening its international diplomatic relations while stressing cooperative frameworks that advance development objectives and common global targets .
