Somalia, Saudi Arabia sign defence pact as Red Sea security takes centre stage
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Riyadh by Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, marking a further deepening of ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh amid shifting regional security dynamics.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) - Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a defence and military cooperation agreement aimed at expanding security coordination and strengthening stability across the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said on Monday.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Riyadh by Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, marking a further deepening of ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh amid shifting regional security dynamics.
While specific provisions of the agreement were not disclosed, the defence ministry said the pact covers several areas of mutual military and defence interest, including cooperation frameworks intended to enhance regional security.
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Somali media described the agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries, with a particular focus on maritime security and growing geopolitical competition around the Red Sea corridor.
The deal comes as Somalia seeks advanced technical support, training, and military capabilities from key allies to bolster its security forces, protect its airspace, and safeguard territorial integrity.
Mogadishu’s push to strengthen defence partnerships has gained urgency amid evolving regional developments, including renewed international attention on Somaliland, which the federal government considers an integral part of Somalia.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.