DUBROVNIK – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, held bilateral talks with his Croatian counterpart, Gordan Grlić Radman, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, on the sidelines of the Dubrovnik Forum, where they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations and discussed ways to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation between the two nations[reference:0].
The agreement establishes a formal framework for regular political dialogue and aims to deepen bilateral relations, building on the momentum generated by a previous meeting in Brussels in November 2025, during which Somalia’s first non-resident ambassador to Croatia was accredited. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation and advancing the partnership between their countries.
The signing of the MoU with Croatia reflects Somalia’s broader diplomatic push to expand its network of international partnerships, as articulated by Minister Ali during a recent meeting with departmental directors in Mogadishu[reference:1].
Strategic Engagement at the Dubrovnik Forum
The talks took place against the backdrop of the Dubrovnik Forum, an annual international conference focused on geopolitical challenges and global cooperation[reference:2]. Minister Ali’s participation in the forum provided an opportunity to engage with a wide range of international partners and to highlight Somalia’s development priorities and strategic interests[reference:3].
On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Ali met with students from more than 30 countries, discussing Somalia’s development, its strategic location, its membership in the East African Community, and its offshore oil and gas exploration potential[reference:4]. The Minister reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation[reference:5].
Deepening Bilateral Ties
The MoU on Political Consultations establishes a formal mechanism for ongoing dialogue between the two foreign ministries. The agreement builds on the positive momentum generated since the appointment of Somalia’s first non-resident ambassador to Croatia in late 2025.
Minister Ali’s diplomatic engagements have been extensive in recent months, including official visits to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Serbia[reference:6]. The agreement with Croatia adds to this growing network of bilateral relationships.
Way Forward
The signing of the MoU with Croatia marks a significant step in deepening Somalia’s engagement with European partners. The formal framework for political consultations is expected to facilitate ongoing dialogue and cooperation across a range of areas, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
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