Somali Foreign Minister: We Will Not Enter into Any Alliance against Qatar and Turkey

Somali Foreign Minister: We Will Not Enter into Any Alliance against Qatar and Turkey

Doha / Information Office / April 29

HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia Ahmed Isse Awad underlined that his country will not enter into any alliance or bloc of any kind against Qatar and Turkey, noting that this position has made some members of the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba entity, which is composed of eight countries, trying to exclude Somalia from this entity by limiting its to the coastal countries of the Red Sea.

In a seminar held at the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the title "The Horn of Africa.. Prospects for Political Cooperation and Economic Integration", HE the Minister invited the State of Qatar to participate strongly in investment in various areas of maritime infrastructure and others, noting that Somalia has the largest beaches in the Horn of Africa after Madagascar, and has a vision to develop eight ports.

He underlined that Somalia has taken a neutral position from the Gulf crisis, saying that it is a sovereign decision and others must respect the sovereignty and independence of the Somali decision.

HE Minister Ahmed Isse Awad noted that the Gulf crisis affected Somalia because it decided to stay neutral in this Gulf dispute. Somalia is not like before and things have changed. It is keen on the independence of its decision and sovereignty and others should respect that sovereignty.

He added that Somali leadership seeks to achieve Africa comprehensive vision 2063, noting that Somalia and 44 African countries have launched a project to set up a joint African market, which will be a chance to end famine and create job opportunities for young people who make up a large proportion of the continent.

HE the Minister said that the lack of advanced infrastructure in his country will delay the achievement of the desired development sought by the political leadership, indicating that this requires countries with the potential, such as Qatar and others, to consider how they would contribute to the changes that the peoples of the region aspire to.

He underlined that Somalia looks forward a strong contribution by the State of Qatar in support of various sectors and areas of development.

On the other hand, HE the Somali Foreign Minister said that Somalia has overcome differences with Kenya, and noted that the dispute over the maritime borders will be referred to the International Court of Justice.

He stressed that the government of Somalia seeks to create a healthy environment within the Somali society to renounce violence and prompt young people to contribute to building their country.

The seminar was opened by Director of the Diplomatic Institute Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Horr who stressed the importance of Somalia and its role in the Horn of Africa.