Photo: Facebook Andrij Sybiha
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga met with Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed Moallim Figi to discuss the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Ukrainian minister announced this on 15 January.
Details of the conversation
Andriy Sibiga thanked Somalia for its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the participation of the President of Somalia in the First Peace Summit. The two sides stressed the importance of developing bilateral cooperation and emphasised the need to formally establish diplomatic relations.
“This is an important step towards strengthening international cooperation and interaction at the political level. We are ready to work on expanding our relations with our African partners,” said Sibiga.
Current state of relations
As of today, diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Somalia have not yet been established. The rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens in Somalia are protected by the Embassy of Ukraine in Kenya.
The discussions with Somalia are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to expand ties with African countries, engage them in supporting Ukraine’s position in the international arena, and expand economic cooperation.
Opportunities for cooperation
The talks open up new prospects in education, trade, agriculture and security. Somalia, as a strategically important state in East Africa, can become a partner of Ukraine in strengthening the positions of both countries on the world stage.
