Arusha, Tanzania – Somalia reinforced its commitment to regional cooperation and development during the 35th Sectoral Council and 58th Council of Ministers meetings of the East African Community (EAC). The country’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, led the delegation alongside Mohamed Fatiir, Director General for EAC Affairs.
In engagements with EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva, the Somali delegation outlined priority areas aimed at accelerating the country’s integration into the bloc. Discussions focused on advancing Somalia’s regional initiatives, securing institutional support, and ensuring Somali nationals have greater opportunities for recruitment within EAC structures.
Another key agenda item was the alignment of Somalia’s third-generation passports with EAC standards, a move seen as critical for facilitating travel, trade, and mobility across member states. According to officials, these efforts demonstrate Mogadishu’s determination to meet technical requirements and strengthen its role within the regional framework.
Somalia formally became the eighth member of the EAC in March 2024, marking a significant step in its diplomatic and economic trajectory. Since then, the government has prioritized harmonizing policies with the bloc, opening new opportunities for investment, trade, and regional partnerships.
By reaffirming its readiness to meet obligations and expand cooperation, Somalia signaled that its accession to the EAC is more than symbolic—it is a pathway toward deeper political and economic integration that benefits both the nation and the region.