Somali President Arrives in Qatar for Strategic Partnership Talks

DOHA, Qatar — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Friday for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Somalia and Qatar.

The president and his delegation were accorded a warm welcome by Qatari officials upon their arrival in the capital. During his stay, Mohamud is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Qatari leadership to discuss enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including security, the economy, and political stability.

The visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour by the Somali leader to bolster international partnerships. According to a statement from the presidency, the discussions in Doha will focus on advancing Somalia’s national interests and securing international support for the country’s unity and territorial integrity.

The diplomatic push in Doha follows a significant shift in Somalia’s regional foreign policy. Last month, Somalia severed all agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), annulling deals spanning key port operations, security cooperation, and defense. Mogadishu cited “harmful actions” by Abu Dhabi that it claims undermine its national unity, particularly as tensions deepen over the status of the Somaliland breakaway region.

As a result, Qatar remains an increasingly vital partner for Somalia, providing ongoing support in infrastructure development and humanitarian aid. This trip underscores Mogadishu's commitment to deepening its strategic alliances within the Gulf as a counterweight to regional friction.

GAROWE ONLINE