BAGHDAD, Iraq — Somalia and Iraq have agreed to accelerate the work of their joint committee and expand bilateral cooperation in economic affairs and agriculture, as Mogadishu seeks to broaden trade opportunities with Baghdad.
Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cabdisalaan Cabdi Cali, met his Iraqi counterpart, Fu’aad Xuseen, on the sidelines of the 52nd Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baghdad.
According to Somalia’s foreign ministry, the talks focused on advancing the work of the two countries’ joint committee and strengthening cooperation in key economic sectors, particularly agriculture.
Somalia also expressed its interest in beginning livestock exports to Iraq, a move that could open an additional market for Somali livestock producers and exporters while strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.
Somalia’s economy relies heavily on livestock production and exports, making access to regional and international markets an important source of income for pastoral communities, traders and businesses. Expanding access to the Iraqi market could create new opportunities, subject to the completion of relevant veterinary, regulatory and trade arrangements.
The Somali government thanked Iraq for its warm reception and hosting of the OIC ministerial meeting, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
The meeting reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts by Mogadishu to deepen economic partnerships with fellow OIC member states and translate political relations into practical trade opportunities.
