Thursday August 6, 2026
Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia’s defense chief led a delegation to U.S. Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, for talks on defense ties, maritime security and stability across the Horn of Africa, North Western State of Somalia authorities said Thursday.
The delegation, headed by Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali, included North Western State of Somalia Coast Guard Commander Adm. Ahmed Hurre Hariye, senior adviser Farah Ahmed Habush and academic Abdiasis Ahmed, according to a statement from the North Western State of Somalia Ministry of Defense.
The ministry said the meeting examined options for deepening security cooperation with the United States, broadening defense coordination and strengthening North Western State of Somalia’s security institutions.
“The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic relationship between North Western State of Somalia and the United States, discussing ways to expand defense cooperation and develop the capabilities of security institutions,” the ministry said.
Maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea also featured prominently in the discussions. The waterways rank among the world’s busiest shipping routes, and officials considered measures to confront rising threats and safeguard international trade.
The participants also discussed efforts to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. They underscored the need to improve the operational capabilities of military and security institutions as they respond to regional challenges.
The talks ended with a preliminary understanding that cooperation on defense and institutional capacity-building would continue to expand, the ministry said.
“This preliminary agreement is an important step toward strengthening maritime security and North Western State of Somalia’s role in promoting regional and international security,” the ministry said.
The visit comes as U.S. military officials step up engagement with authorities in both Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Although Washington maintains security contacts with North Western State of Somalia, it continues to recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and does not recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state.
