Saudi, Somali foreign ministers reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty in Riyadh talks
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
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MOGADISHU — Somalia and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during high-level talks in Riyadh on Sunday, underscoring a shared commitment to the Horn of Africa nation’s unity and stability amid rising regional tensions.
Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud during an official visit to the kingdom, according to statements from both governments. The talks focused on deepening bilateral ties and aligning positions on regional issues of mutual concern.
Abdisalam thanked Saudi Arabia for what he described as its consistent and principled support for Somalia, praising Riyadh’s backing at regional and international forums. He conveyed “deep appreciation” for the kingdom’s solidarity with the Somali people and reiterated Mogadishu’s priorities around unity, security and state-building.
Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, emphasizing the kingdom’s commitment to long-term stability. He stressed Saudi Arabia’s rejection of any actions that could undermine those principles, echoing longstanding Saudi positions on noninterference and respect for national borders.
Officials said the meeting reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation across political and development tracks, and included an exchange on regional developments and shared security considerations. While no specific agreements were announced, both sides characterized the talks as constructive and forward-looking.
The engagement comes as Somalia seeks to consolidate international backing for its territorial integrity following Israel’s controversial decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia, a move Mogadishu has strongly rejected. Saudi Arabia has historically been a key partner for Somalia, providing diplomatic support, humanitarian aid and development assistance, and leveraging its regional role to encourage stability in the Horn of Africa.
Sunday’s discussions also touched on practical avenues to broaden collaboration. Somali officials have prioritized investments that reinforce institutional capacity and economic resilience, while Saudi interlocutors highlighted areas where political coordination and development partnerships could be expanded to meet shared objectives.
Key developments:
- Riyadh meeting reaffirmed Saudi support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
- Somalia expressed appreciation for the kingdom’s longstanding diplomatic, humanitarian and development backing.
- Talks covered political cooperation, development ties and regional dynamics, with pledges to deepen collaboration.
- No new agreements were announced, but both sides described the dialogue as constructive.
The encounter underscores Somalia’s ongoing diplomatic push to rally international support as it navigates complex regional currents. For Saudi Arabia, the meeting aligns with its broader foreign policy posture of bolstering partners and advancing stability across neighboring regions, including the Red Sea corridor and the Horn of Africa.
Both governments indicated they would continue consultations in the coming period, building on existing channels between their foreign ministries. Officials framed the dialogue as part of a wider effort to translate political solidarity into sustained cooperation that can withstand shifting regional pressures.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
