Since taking office in 2025 as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali Dhaay has emerged as a transformative leader in Somali diplomacy, ushering in a new era of strategic global engagement and cooperation. A significant milestone early in his tenure was his historic visit to Indonesia in July 2025—the first ever by a Somali Foreign Minister to the Southeast Asian country. This landmark visit resulted in multiple bilateral agreements spanning trade, agriculture, fisheries, maritime affairs, health, and education. Notably, these agreements facilitate Indonesian goods accessing Sub-Saharan African markets via Somali trade hubs, enhancing Somalia’s regional trade importance.
Indonesia also committed technical assistance to improve Somalia’s agriculture and fisheries sectors and pledged support to establish an Intensive Care Unit in Somalia, underscoring a focus on health diplomacy. Educational collaboration expanded with increased scholarship opportunities for Somali students in Indonesia and enhanced diplomatic training programs. To further strengthen ties, a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports was introduced, promoting closer personal and official connectivity.
Beyond Southeast Asia, Minister Dhaay has forged a robust strategic partnership with China, broadening bilateral relations into a multifaceted cooperation framework. This includes infrastructure development, security assistance, governance capacity building, and integration into China’s Belt and Road Initiative—key factors in Somalia’s ongoing national reconstruction and efforts to boost regional connectivity.
His outreach also extends to the Arab world, with active involvement in Organization of Islamic Cooperation forums and strengthening bilateral relations with Gulf countries to support political, humanitarian, and development cooperation. In Africa, the recent inauguration of Somalia’s embassy in Pretoria highlights a deepening commitment to continental ties.
Minister Dhaay’s pragmatic diplomacy prioritizes initiatives that yield tangible benefits: upgrading healthcare infrastructure, expanding educational opportunities, facilitating trade, and enhancing security cooperation. Under his leadership, Somalia’s diplomatic institutions have been modernized, improving coordination among embassies and the Ministry and promoting diaspora engagement as a powerful driver of socio-economic growth and international advocacy.
Looking ahead, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali Dhaay envisions Somalia as a key regional and global player, strengthening partnerships across Africa, Asia, and the Arab world while advancing peace, development, and national sovereignty.
Although still early in his tenure, his ambitious foreign policy agenda reflects a renewed and dynamic Somalia positioned to seize new opportunities on the global stage.
By Salim Abdullahi Elmi
Email: SalimQalinle5@Gmail.com
