Saturday  31 Jan 2026 {HMC}  – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre hosted the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Somalia, H.E. Wang Yu, at his office on Saturday for high-level talks aimed at fortifying the strategic partnership between the two nations. The meeting focused on accelerating bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including security, trade, and economic infrastructure, while reinforcing the deep historical ties that bind Mogadishu and Beijing.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Barre highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing its diplomatic engagement to achieve mutual interests. He noted that strengthening relations with key global partners like China is essential as the nation navigates a critical phase of security stabilization and economic recovery. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its unwavering support of Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, a stance that remains central to the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Ambassador Wang Yu reaffirmed Beijing’s dedication to maintaining and expanding its friendly relations with Somalia. He assured the Prime Minister that China intends to increase its support for the Federal Government, specifically in the areas of security assistance, direct investment, and economic development projects. The Ambassador emphasized that China views Somalia as a key partner in the Horn of Africa and is keen to see the relationship yield tangible results for both peoples.

The meeting concluded with Prime Minister Barre commending China’s visible role in the reconstruction of Somalia’s infrastructure and its consistent provision of humanitarian aid. Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication to ensure the swift implementation of the discussed initiatives.

Source Sonna

Saturday  31 Jan 2026 {HMC} The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Abdisalam Ali, has taken part in a high-level engagement bringing together Arab foreign ministers and the Prime Minister of the Republic of India during the opening of the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

Abdisalam Ali joined his counterparts from the League of Arab States in a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the official opening of the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The engagement underscored the growing importance of India–Arab relations, with discussions centered on strengthening partnership, enhancing political dialogue, and advancing practical cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

The meeting was described as a meaningful step toward deepening collaboration between India and the Arab world, aimed at promoting regional stability and shared prosperity. Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to constructive diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and building partnerships that yield tangible benefits for its people and the wider region.

Somalia’s participation reflects its active role within regional and international forums and its continued efforts to contribute to cooperative initiatives that support peace, development, and mutual understanding.

Source Sonna

Saturday  31 Jan 2026 {HMC}  The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arrived in Jigjiga today for high-level regional engagements with leaders from across the Horn of Africa.

​In Jigjiga, President Mohamud joined the President of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, and the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Abiy Ahmed.

​The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Salah Jama and other senior officials.

​The leaders were received by the President of the Somali Regional State, Mustafa Omar, alongside local officials and community members.

​This visit underscores the close relations among Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, and highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation on shared political, economic, and security interests.

Source Sonna

Saturday  31 Jan 2026 {HMC} The leaders of Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti on Saturday jointly inaugurated Shabeely Resort, a major tourism and development project in Ethiopia’s Somali Region to promote regional integration in a historically fragile part of the Horn of Africa.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh attended the event at the resort, one of the flagship developments under the Dine for Generations initiative. The project covers 385 hectares and is designed to anchor a broader push to expand tourism, trade and cross-border connectivity.

The three leaders visit included tours of newly developed tourist sites across the Shabelle area of the Somali Region, according to officials.
Ethiopian authorities say the projects are part of a long-term strategy to reposition the Horn of Africa as a hub for economic cooperation, despite decades of conflict, political fragmentation and underinvestment. The region’s location linking the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and inland East Africa has long been viewed as strategic, but instability has limited its potential.

Abiy has increasingly used high-profile project inaugurations to signal Ethiopia’s development ambitions and regional outreach. He has previously invited neighboring leaders, including Somali officials, to major infrastructure milestones such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The dam’s operations were temporarily halted last year, adding to regional sensitivities over shared resources.

The inauguration comes at a delicate diplomatic moment. Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have improved in recent months following tensions sparked by a failed agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. At the same time, Ethiopian officials have publicly expressed concern about Somalia’s deepening ties with Egypt, a key regional rival with competing interests along the Nile basin.

Project backers describe it as a showcase for the Somali Region’s cultural heritage, combining contemporary design with traditional aesthetics rooted in local history. Officials say developments like Shabeely are intended to help diversify Ethiopia’s economy and support Abiy’s stated goal of turning the country into a leading African tourist destination.

Source Hiiraan Online