Gulf Powers Competition in Somalia

The Saudi Foreign Ministry applauded the efforts of the Somali government to facilitate the procedures of reopening the embassy in its capital Mogadishu.

News Keydmedia Online
20 November 2021

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said on Friday it has officially reopened its embassy in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia following nearly 10 years of hiatus.

The news was announced by the Saudi Press Agency, citing officials with the ministry of foreign affairs who said the move is aimed at re-establishing the diplomatic presence in Somalia.

Saudi Arabia which shared historic ties with Somalia halted its financial support to the war-torn country after outgoing president Farmajo sided with Qatar at the start of the Gulf crisis.

"Saudi Arabia looks forward to promoting cooperation with Somalia for the common interests of the people of the two countries," said the ministry in a statement on Friday.

The re-opening came after a top Saudi delegation paid a visit to Mogadishu, and held talks with the leaders of Somalia in June 2021 on the mission. KSA closes its embassy in 1991.

The King of Saudi Arabia Salman Bin Abdulaziz named Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Muwallad as the new ambassador of his country to Somalia in early October this year.

Al-Muwallad becomes the second ambassador since the former government led by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud which served in the office between 2012-2016.

The rival Gulf countries are competing for the dominance of Somalia as Qatar has been influential in the country's politics during Farmajo's presidency, thanks to Fahad Yasin who executed its mission.

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