King Charles voices ‘profound concern’ as police assess claims Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared UK trade files with Jeffrey Epstein London — King Charles has signaled “profound concern” over allegations about his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct and said he would “stand ready to support” police if approached, Buckingham Palace said Monday, as Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing claims the former prince shared confidential trade reports with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The palace said the…

Monday February 9, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Saudi Arabia and Somalia have signed a new military cooperation agreement to strengthen defense ties, expanding counterterrorism efforts and enhancing maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, officials from both countries said. The memorandum of understanding was announced by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, marking a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Mogadishu. Under…

BRUSSELS — Somali-born human rights advocate Hassan Shire met Wednesday with Dr. Khadija Ossoble Ali, Somalia’s ambassador to the Benelux Union and the European Union, to discuss strengthening cooperation on human rights, peacebuilding and civil society engagement in Somalia, participants said. The meeting in Brussels focused on how Somali civil society organizations can work more closely with Somalia’s diplomatic missions abroad to advance justice, accountability and sustainable peace. Both sides underscored their…

Pakistan, Somalia move to strengthen security, counterterrorism ties ISLAMABAD — Pakistan and Somalia agreed to deepen cooperation on internal security and counterterrorism following talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Somali counterpart, Ali Yusuf, on Friday at Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior. The ministers outlined a plan to expand collaboration across security training, policing and border management, along with measures to bolster disaster response and share expertise on urban management. Both sides cast…

MOGADISHU — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development on Wednesday welcomed Somalia’s ratification of the new IGAD Treaty, calling it a significant step toward stronger regional cooperation and integration across the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s House of the People approved the treaty by show of hands after the agreement was presented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar Balcad, who urged lawmakers to endorse it as essential to the country’s regional engagement and political stability. According to Speaker…

NEW DELHI/DUBAI — India signed a $3 billion liquefied natural gas supply deal with the United Arab Emirates on Monday, elevating India to the UAE’s top customer and deepening ties as the two countries pledged to expand trade and pursue a strategic defense partnership. Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC Gas will supply 0.5 million metric tons of LNG annually to Hindustan Petroleum Corp. for 10 years. ADNOC Gas said the contract lifts the total value of its agreements with Indian buyers to more than $20 billion,…

Tuesday January 20, 2026 DOHA, Qatar — Somalia and Qatar on Monday signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at deepening military ties and expanding security collaboration, days after Mogadishu formally ended its security and ports partnerships with the United Arab Emirates. Officials from both governments said the pact focuses on military training, exchange of expertise, development of defense capabilities and broader security cooperation. They said the agreement is intended to strengthen Somalia’s armed forces and…

Somalia, Qatar sign defense pact as Mogadishu pivots from UAE ties Agreement signed in Doha by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani Pact covers military training, exchange of expertise, capability development and broader security cooperation Deal follows Somalia’s termination of defense and ports agreements with the United Arab Emirates Somali officials say move strengthens federal control over…

Egypt, Djibouti back Somalia’s unity, condemn Israel’s move on North Western State of Somalia, deepen economic ties CAIRO — Egypt and Djibouti reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and infrastructure during talks between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Abdulqader Hussein Omar in Cairo on Wednesday. The meeting, held on the sidelines of a fifth consultative gathering focused on improving…

Egypt, Djibouti back Somalia’s unity, broaden regional cooperation in Cairo talks CAIRO — Egypt and Djibouti on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity while pledging to expand cooperation in trade, energy and infrastructure, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry. The commitments came during talks in Cairo between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Djibouti’s foreign minister, Abdulqader Hussein Omar, held on the sidelines of a fifth consultative meeting focused…