Diplomacy

Recently, the visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma to Rabat ignited renewed debate over the fraught issue of Western Sahara. Zuma's endorsement of Morocco's claim to this territory as an autonomous region has certainly raised eyebrows and rekindled discussions about the complexities woven into the region’s history. This shift in Zuma’s perspective marks a significant departure from his earlier stance as president, when he fervently supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Peter Fabricius, a…

Somalia's Foreign Policy: Navigating New Diplomatic Terrain In the intricate world of international relations, it’s rare for states to engage in discussions centered on a singular issue. The reality of diplomacy lies in its complexity, as countries navigate multiple layers of political, economic, security, and cultural negotiations simultaneously. This multifaceted landscape makes the management of international crises a challenging task. In this realm, decision-making is seldom straightforward; states are often caught in…

Turkey and Somalia: Forging a Strong Alliance On Monday, a pivotal meeting unfolded, building on a series of significant agreements established over the past year. Among these was a landmark accord reached in February 2024, when the Somali cabinet approved a comprehensive 10-year defense and economic cooperation pact with Turkey. This initiative promises a host of collaborations, including naval training, joint patrols, and a revenue-sharing model for offshore…

Listening to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative of the Ukraine war, one might think that Russia mistakenly found itself embroiled in a conflict, almost as if it was compelled to invade its neighbor. During a recent press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin remarked that he had previously expressed to former U.S. President Joe Biden the importance of steering clear of conflicts, stating, “Conflicts, especially hot conflicts, must be avoided, and that all issues should be resolved…

The European Commission is calling on the United States to approach trade talks with respect rather than intimidation, following President Donald Trump’s proposal for a 50% tariff on EU goods. EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič emphasized that the European Union is committed to negotiating a deal beneficial for both parties. He engaged in discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to seek common ground. President Trump’s suggestion of imposing higher tariffs on…

The European Union is gearing up to implement its 17th sanctions package against Russia in response to its unwarranted invasion of Ukraine. However, the foundation of economic pressure that the West has exerted on Moscow appears to have been destabilized by the actions and declarations of former U.S. President Donald Trump, posing questions about the future of the transatlantic security alliance. Prior to any tangible concessions from the Kremlin, the Trump administration has expressed a willingness to ease sanctions on…

Antalya (AX) – On a serene Thursday evening, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia gracefully touched down in the picturesque city of Antalya. His purpose? To partake in the much-anticipated 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF). The forum, a hub of intellectual and diplomatic exploration, officially opened its doors on Friday, continuing its discourse through to April 13. This year, the poignant theme is “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.” Such a theme prompts us to ponder: In a world splintered by various…

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Badr Abdelatty, recently wrapped up his diplomatic journey to Belgrade, offering a compelling lecture on an eventful midweek evening, specifically Wednesday, January 22. His engagements are emblematic of diplomacy's nuanced dance, weaving through cultures and conflicts, seeking common ground. On a bustling Friday, March 7, Minister Abdelatty embarked on a series of dialogues with notable figures from nations such as Somalia, Palestine, Iran, and Uzbekistan. These…

Somalia, a nation defined by resilience and transformation, has successfully navigated through the complexities of three distinct republics. Have you ever wondered how a country so profoundly shaped by history finds its footing amid winds of change? The current federal system, birthed from the Djibouti settlement in 2000, stands as a testament to Somalia’s enduring spirit. It is crafted upon the pillars of a parliamentary model, democratic processes, clan power-sharing, and regional autonomy. Yet, the political landscape in…

Somalia Leans on Diplomacy to Resolve Rift with Ethiopia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia is banking on diplomatic efforts to iron out its disputes with Ethiopia, following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's recent decision to involve regional collaborators in addressing the issue. Under President Mohamud's leadership, reaching out to global entities and countries has been a priority, emphasizing the significance of resolving this standoff amicably, without strife or hostility. The Somali leader has already sought the…