Norway to re-establish its embassy in Somalia after 30 years

As the security situation in Somalia is still fragile, some western countries dared to re-establish their diplomatic presence in Mogadishu. 

News Keydmedia Online
17 June 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Norway has announced it will re-open its embassy in Mogadishu after more than three decades of lack of diplomatic presence in the Horn of Africa country.

The new Norwegian Ambassador to Somalia Elin Bergithe Rognlie has arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday and held a meeting with the State Minister for Somalia's Foreign Affairs ministry Balal Mohamed Osman at his office.

Both sides have discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral relations and cooperation between Somalia and Norway, according to a statement released by the foreign ministry following the closed-door talks.

The Norwegian ambassador said she had started arrangements to reopen a permanent diplomatic office in Mogadishu to facilitate official and service work, revealing that the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration recognized the Somali passport, and expressed her country's support for the electoral process in Somalia.

For his part, Osman affirmed Somalia's keenness to strengthen its relationship with Norway, where a large Somali community resides, noting the importance of expanding the strategic partnership to achieve the common interests of the two friendly countries.

KEYDMEDIA English