Kampala, Uganda – Somalia and Azerbaijan have taken a meaningful step toward deepening their diplomatic partnership with the signing of a new visa-free travel agreement for diplomatic passport holders.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Tuesday in Kampala by Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), where both countries are participating alongside dozens of international delegations.
The agreement allows diplomats from both nations to travel without prior visa arrangements, marking a practical move toward easing official mobility and boosting bilateral engagement. Officials say the deal is more than a procedural adjustment — it signals a mutual desire to expand cooperation in areas ranging from political consultation to development and investment.
Speaking after the signing, Somali representatives described the MoU as a vote of confidence in Somalia’s expanding diplomatic horizon. Over the past year, Mogadishu has accelerated efforts to diversify partnerships beyond traditional allies, positioning itself as an active player in multilateral forums.
Azerbaijan, meanwhile, has steadily increased outreach to African nations, viewing such agreements as a bridge for future economic and cultural collaboration.
With the ink now dry, both sides are expected to set up follow-up mechanisms to explore further initiatives. While the agreement directly benefits diplomatic personnel, officials hope it will pave the way for wider cooperation — potentially opening future discussions on trade, education, and technological exchange.
In a summit filled with sweeping declarations and carefully worded communiqués, the Somalia-Azerbaijan visa deal stood out for its simplicity: a handshake, a signature, and a shared commitment to keep doors open rather than closed.