MOSCOW – Somalia’s State Minister for Defence, Omar Ali Abdi, met with Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Vasily Osmakov in Moscow during an official visit, with both nations examining opportunities to bolster defense collaboration.
The Somali Ministry of Defence reported that discussions centered on matters of shared concern, especially potential avenues to intensify defense ties between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Russian Federation.
Constructive Dialogue and Shared Commitments
Both officials highlighted the necessity of sustaining productive conversations and affirmed their mutual dedication to fostering and strengthening defense connections between their governments. Bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Russia has expanded significantly in recent years, including a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2026 aimed at strengthening healthcare collaboration, capacity-building for health professionals, and the implementation of digital health technologies.
These talks occur amid Somalia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its global alliances to support security sector advancement and initiatives against terrorism while enhancing national defense capacities. Somalia’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Zubeyr, has been actively strengthening diplomatic ties with Russia and Belarus, submitting credentials to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who also serves as the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa.
Humanitarian Assistance from Russia
The Russian Federation has additionally contributed humanitarian aid to Somalia, assisting communities impacted by persistent drought and various humanitarian crises. The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) received 25,000 tons of wheat aid from Russia in November 2023 to contribute to humanitarian assistance efforts in Somalia. A second shipment of 25,000 tons of wheat aid from Russia was received in January 2024, with SODMA Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim expressing gratitude to Russia for donating essential food supplies to Somalia.
The SoDMA chief held talks with Russian Deputy Minister for Civil Defence, Kurynin Roman Viktorovich, discussing ways of using training and advanced equipment to enhance SoDMA’s capacity and disaster risk mitigation knowledge.
Growing Engagement Between Mogadishu and Moscow
The discussions signify increasing interaction between Mogadishu and Moscow as both parties aim to widen collaboration in fields of common concern. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov arrived in Mogadishu in April 2025 for high-level discussions, underscoring Moscow’s growing interest in the Horn of Africa and delivering an official invitation from President Vladimir Putin for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to attend the Russia-Arab League Summit.
In May 2025, Somalia’s Senate Speaker, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, travelled to Moscow to strengthen parliamentary ties with the Russian Federation Council, seeking to enhance cooperation in political, economic, and strategic sectors. Somalia’s Foreign Minister led the Somali delegation at the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo, demonstrating the Federal Government’s dedication to broadening global alliances and pursuing economic diplomacy.
Russia’s Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty
At the United Nations Security Council, Russia has voiced support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the December 2025 Israeli recognition of Somaliland, Moscow reaffirmed its unwavering support for a unified Somalia, emphasising the importance of upholding international law. Russia also opposed the extension of the UN arms embargo on Somalia at the Security Council in April 2026, aligning with Mogadishu’s position that the restrictions undermined the government’s ability to equip its forces, with the Somali government welcoming Moscow’s stance as a reflection of growing strategic convergence between the two countries.
As diplomatic engagement continues to expand, both sides have expressed their intention to continue deepening their partnership on shared priorities including peace, security, and sustainable development.
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