Jakarta (MFA Somalia) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, met on Thursday in Jakarta with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the brotherly Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Sugiono, and discussed with him on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation.
During the meeting at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors including trade, agriculture, maritime affairs, and education. This visit marks the first official trip by Somalia’s Foreign Minister to Indonesia.
Minister Abdisalam Abdi welcomed the growing partnership with Indonesia and reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to expanding collaboration on common objectives.
On his side, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the importance of solidarity between Global South countries and highlighted the mutual commitment to a just and inclusive world order amid current geopolitical dynamics. He noted the signing of a Visa Exemption Agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports as a significant step toward closer ties.
Sugiono also pointed to Somalia’s recent entry into the East African Community (EAC) as an opportunity to expand economic collaboration, positioning Somalia as a strategic hub for Indonesian products in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Indonesia reaffirmed its support for technical cooperation and capacity building in Somalia, particularly in fisheries, agriculture, meat processing, and health sectors.
Education was another focus, with Indonesia encouraging Somalia to utilize scholarship programs such as the Development State Partnership (KNB), Darmasiswa, and The Indonesia Aid Scholarship (TIAS). Indonesia also expressed willingness to collaborate on diplomat training to further strengthen ties.
Both countries, sharing a Muslim-majority population, emphasized their commitment to promoting moderation and peace within the Islamic world through cooperation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other multilateral platforms.
Foreign Minister Sugiono concluded by affirming Indonesia’s readiness to be a trusted partner to Somalia, working together toward shared goals within the community of developing nations.