New York, United States – Somalia and Serbia have taken a major step in deepening bilateral ties after their Foreign Ministers signed a landmark cooperation agreement in New York on Monday.
Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali and his Serbian counterpart, Marko Đjurić, formalized the deal during a meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The agreement centers on the continuous training and professional development of Somali diplomats, equipping them with advanced skills to navigate complex global challenges and strengthen Somalia’s representation abroad.
According to officials, the pact will allow Somali diplomats to benefit from structured training programs, exchange opportunities, and institutional support from Serbia’s established diplomatic academies. This initiative is expected to boost Somalia’s capacity in foreign policy, negotiation, protocol, and multilateral engagement.
Ali hailed the signing as a “strategic milestone” that enhances Somalia’s ability to build a modern and professional foreign service. He emphasized that the deal also reflects Somalia’s growing global partnerships and its determination to reassert itself in international affairs.
For his part, Đjurić reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to standing alongside Somalia as it strengthens governance institutions and expands international cooperation. He described the agreement as a foundation for broader collaboration in education, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Diplomatic observers noted that the partnership highlights a shift toward skill-based development in Somalia’s foreign service and builds on recent efforts to modernize state institutions after decades of conflict.
The signing underscores both countries’ shared interest in building stronger relations and comes at a time when Somalia is increasingly active on the global stage, engaging partners across Africa, Europe, and beyond.