Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for an official visit that the Somali embassy said is intended for him to perform Umrah.
JEDDAH (Somali Report) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in the western Saudi city of Jeddah on Saturday for an official visit, Saudi state media reported, as Mogadishu and Riyadh seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Barre landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport, where he was received by Jeddah Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and other Saudi officials.
The Somali embassy in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia said the prime minister’s visit was intended to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year.
No details have yet been announced about meetings Barre may hold with Saudi officials or how long his visit will last.
The visit comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between Somalia and Saudi Arabia, with the two countries holding recent discussions on expanding cooperation in political, security, development and economic affairs.
Both governments have also worked together on regional and international issues of mutual interest, reflecting their broader diplomatic ties and shared interests in the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has maintained relations with Somalia through diplomatic engagement and cooperation on development and regional affairs. Somalia, meanwhile, has sought to strengthen partnerships with Gulf countries as it pursues security, economic development and institutional rebuilding.
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Barre has visited Jeddah on several previous occasions. His most recent visit to the city was in March 2026, according to previously published official Saudi information.
The latest trip provides another opportunity for engagement between the two countries, although neither side has publicly outlined a specific agenda for official talks during the current visit.
Somalia, which has faced decades of conflict and political instability, has continued to pursue closer relations with regional and international partners as it works to improve security and expand economic opportunities.
Saudi Arabia is an important regional partner for Somalia, and relations between the two countries span diplomatic, religious and economic ties.
The prime minister’s arrival was reported by Saudi state media, while the Somali embassy’s statement identified performing Umrah as the purpose of his trip.
Further details about the visit, including any official meetings or agreements, had not been made public by Saturday.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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