HANOI (SONNA) – Ambassador Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi formally presented her credentials to President Lương Cường at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Friday, officially becoming the first Somali diplomat accredited to the Southeast Asian nation. She will serve as the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Vietnam.
The ceremony was marked by high-level diplomatic protocols, reflecting the importance both nations place on this new chapter of bilateral relations. Ambassador Hodan, who also serves as Somalia’s Ambassador to China, was received with full honors by President Cường.
The accreditation signifies a broadening of Somalia’s diplomatic footprint in Asia, moving beyond traditional partners to engage with emerging global economic powerhouses.
During the engagement, the discussion centered on the potential for robust economic cooperation. Vietnam is currently recognized as one of the world’s top 30 largest economies and is celebrated as one of the fastest-growing markets globally.
The Federal Government of Somalia has prioritized expanding international partnerships that offer tangible benefits in trade and development. By formalizing ties with Vietnam, Somalia aims to tap into Vietnam’s extensive expertise in key sectors, including:
Agriculture: Leveraging Vietnam’s success in rice and coffee production to boost food security in Somalia.
Manufacturing and Industry: Learning from Vietnam’s rapid industrialization model.
Trade: Opening new avenues for Somali goods in Southeast Asian markets and attracting Vietnamese investment.
The presentation of credentials aligns with the Federal Government’s foreign policy strategy to diversify its alliances. By engaging with Vietnam, Somalia is positioning itself to benefit from knowledge exchange and technical cooperation, particularly in areas where Vietnam has demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience.
Ambassador Hodan expressed the Somali government’s firm commitment to deepening this relationship, viewing it as a gateway to broader engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
