Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s Cabinet on Thursday approved a new military and security cooperation agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further strengthening the Horn of Africa nation’s growing network of regional and international defense partnerships.
The agreement is part of Somalia’s broader strategy to enhance national security and build strategic alliances amid ongoing threats from extremist groups and regional instability.
In the last three years, Somalia has entered into defense and security cooperation agreements with multiple countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Kenya, Turkey, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti, Qatar, Eritrea, and Burundi. These agreements aim to improve military training, intelligence sharing, border security, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Government officials emphasized that the pact with Saudi Arabia will deepen bilateral relations and contribute to Somalia’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and stabilize the country.
The agreement comes at a time when Somalia is transitioning from African Union-led security operations to greater national control under the Somali Armed Forces. The government has reiterated its commitment to working with trusted partners to achieve long-term peace and security.