MOGADISHU, Somalia – The chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (SODMA), Mr. Mohamud Maalim Abdulle, met with the head of the King Salman Center for Africa (KSCA), Mr. Yazid Abdalla Hamud, on Sunday to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in humanitarian and development sectors.
The two officials expressed their pleasure to work closely together and praised the historical and brotherly relations between Somalia and Saudi Arabia. They also reviewed the progress and challenges of the ongoing projects implemented by the KSCA in Somalia, which include providing food, water, health, education, and livelihood support to the most vulnerable people affected by drought, conflict, and displacement.
Mr. Abdulle thanked Mr. Hamud for the generous and timely assistance provided by the KSCA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Somalia, especially during the recent floods that displaced thousands of people and damaged infrastructure and crops. He also highlighted the importance of the SODMA as the national agency responsible for coordinating disaster management and ensuring effective response and recovery.
Mr. Hamud reaffirmed the commitment of the KSCA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to continue supporting Somalia in its efforts to achieve stability, prosperity, and resilience. He also conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Supervisor General of the KSCA, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, and announced the arrival of a high-ranking delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Somalia in the coming days.
The delegation, which will include representatives from the KSCA and other Saudi institutions, will hold meetings with Somali officials and partners to explore new areas of cooperation and follow up on the implementation of the General Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries. The agreement covers various fields, such as security, trade, investment, culture, and education.
The meeting between Mr. Abdulle and Mr. Hamud reflects the strategic importance of the Saudi-Somali relations and the mutual desire to strengthen them in all aspects. As Somalia continues to navigate its post-conflict reconstruction phase, the support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could prove to be a catalyst for stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa region.
