MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali held talks with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh, as diplomatic tensions continue to rise across the Horn of Africa.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and ways to deepen cooperation on regional and international issues, according to a statement released after the meeting. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, while both sides stressed the importance of regional stability.
The talks come amid growing diplomatic fallout following Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia — a move strongly rejected by Mogadishu and widely criticised by Arab and African states as a violation of international law.
Somalia’s government has described the recognition as an infringement on its sovereignty and warned that it risks further destabilising an already fragile region. Saudi Arabia has also publicly opposed the move, reiterating its long-standing position in support of Somalia’s unity and internationally recognised borders.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers also reviewed opportunities to expand diplomatic and economic ties, underscoring the importance of coordination on issues affecting the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East.
Saudi Arabia remains a key regional ally of Somalia, providing political support and humanitarian assistance, as Mogadishu navigates complex regional dynamics and ongoing security challenges.
