Wednesday May 17, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in Doha for a crucial two-day diplomatic mission. Invited by Emir Tamim Bin Hamad of Qatar, the visit aims to strengthen ties and address pressing issues, including Somalia's security, economic development, and a worsening drought - the worst the nation has seen in 40 years.
President Mohamud's delegation was received at Hamad International Airport by Qatar's Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia Abdullah bin Salem Al Nuaimi, and Charge d'Affairs at the Somali Embassy to the State of Qatar Ruun Said Korshel.
Earlier this month, the Somali embassy announced enhancing bilateral relations with Qatar through a
memorandum of understanding (MoU). Signed by Run S Korshel, Somali chargé d'affaires, and KON Group officials, the MoU focuses on fostering collaboration in business diplomacy, trade, investment, and cultural events.
Qatar recently reaffirmed its commitment to Somali peace during a
U.S.-hosted six-party meeting on counterterrorism efforts in Somalia. The two nations have a history of collaborative discussions, having previously convened on the sidelines of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha.
President Mohamud's agenda is expected to include talks on investment, the economy, and education, with several agreements expected to be finalized. This visit is his second to Doha within two months, underlining the growing importance of the Qatar-Somali relationship.
During his previous visit, Mohamud had meetings with
Emir Tamim Bin Hamad and
former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who has since relocated to Doha. As Somalia grapples with a severe drought, Qatar's previous commitment of $1.5 million towards emergency aid and resilience-building efforts last year signals its ongoing dedication to the crisis-stricken nation.
Somalia is in the throes of political and environmental crises that have severely impacted the nation. A devastating drought has gripped various parts of the country, jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions who depend on agriculture and livestock. This environmental calamity, the worst in 40 years, has led to food shortages and increased the risk of famine, further compounding the challenges faced by an already vulnerable population.
Concurrently, the federal government is combating militant insurgencies, particularly in central and southern Somalia. Groups such as Al-Shabaab remain a persistent threat, undermining stability and hindering progress toward peace and development.