Sunday January 5, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali government has initiated steps to strengthen diplomatic relations with Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi expressed optimism about enhancing ties and emphasized Somalia's support for Syria's new administration.
"We sent a letter to the new Syrian Foreign Minister and hope to meet soon. The changes in Syria present an opportunity for millions of displaced Syrians to return and live in freedom and security," said Minister Fiqi.
Syrian refugees in Somalia expressed cautious hope
for a safer future in their homeland. Many have lived in exile across
Africa, the Middle East, and Europe since the onset of the Syrian civil
war over a decade ago.
He highlighted Somalia's historical ties with Syria, noting that it was the only Arab country to recognize Somali passports after Somalia's central government collapsed in 1991. "The Somali embassy in Damascus has never closed, even during difficult periods. I plan to visit Damascus soon," Fiqi added.
The Assad regime's collapse marked the end of over five decades of family rule, following a swift rebel offensive that captured government-held territories and entered Damascus within ten days. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated that the U.S. should avoid military involvement in Syria, while President Joe Biden's national security adviser confirmed no plans for intervention.