Somalia, Saudi Arabia sign maritime transport agreement
The agreement was signed Friday in Riyadh by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) - Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a comprehensive maritime transport cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating the modernization of Somalia’s ports and shipping sectors.
The agreement was signed Friday in Riyadh by Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.
Officials from both sides described the accord as a formal framework for long-term collaboration in maritime transport, port development and logistics.
According to the Somali government, the deal covers port infrastructure modernization, enhancement of maritime transport services, regulatory alignment and technical knowledge exchange.
It also includes capacity-building programs designed to improve operational efficiency and upgrade the technical skills of Somali maritime professionals.
Minister Abdulkadir said the partnership reflects deepening fraternal relations between Mogadishu and Riyadh and aligns with Somalia’s broader ambition to integrate more effectively into regional and global trade networks.
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He emphasized that modern, efficient ports are central to economic recovery and long-term national development.
The agreement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical competition in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors.
The route serves as a vital artery for global commerce, linking Europe, Asia and Africa. Increased security and commercial activity in the area have elevated its economic and strategic significance.
Somali officials said the treaty is designed to accelerate national growth by upgrading port services, improving maritime governance and attracting increased foreign investment into the logistics sector.
Strengthened cooperation with Saudi Arabia is also expected to enhance maritime safety and support broader regional stability.
Saudi Arabia has expanded its engagement across the Horn of Africa in recent years, focusing on trade, infrastructure development, security cooperation and maritime stability.
The new agreement marks a further step in that engagement, positioning both nations to benefit from closer economic and strategic coordination in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.
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.