Saturday May 20, 2023
Jeddah (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on the sidelines of the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting on Friday, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance security, political, economic, and diplomatic relations between Somalia and Iraq. They also expressed their commitment to collaborate closely in the fight against international terrorism.
President Mohamud expressed his gratitude to the Iraqi government for forgiving 67% of Somalia's debt, and both leaders agreed to revive previous agreements between their governments.
Furthermore, President Mohamud commended the Iraqi government's achievements in combating terrorism and requested their valuable experience in the fight against terrorism be shared with Somalia.
The Somali government-led anti-al Shabab operations have been making significant progress since August, with government forces gaining ground against the militants. The first phase of the operations has concluded, and President Mohamud pledged that the second phase will commence soon.