Doha, (SONNA) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, delivered a keynote address at the Ministerial Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Somalia, held in Doha on July 27–28 and hosted by the State of Qatar. The session was officially opened by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
Established in 2007, the OIC Contact Group on Somalia serves as a key platform for mobilizing coordinated support for peace, development, and humanitarian response in Somalia. This year’s meeting focused on reviewing progress and strengthening cooperation in key areas including security, economic reform, and inclusive governance.
In his remarks, the Minister highlighted recent milestones in Somalia’s security transition, including the transfer of 23 international military bases to Somali forces and the recruitment and training of 20,000 new national troops. He appealed for enhanced support in logistics, surveillance equipment, and counter-IED capabilities to sustain these gains.
He also emphasized Somalia’s economic turnaround following debt relief, and called for aligned investments under the National Transformation Plan (2025–2035) and Somalia Vision 2060. Noting the rise in foreign direct investment, he spotlighted emerging opportunities in infrastructure and the energy sector.
Touching on political progress, the Minister noted advancements in the federalization process, constitutional review, and preparations for the 2026 general elections. He welcomed support in education and healthcare and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly youth and women empowerment.
The Minister welcomed the OIC’s new humanitarian financing mechanisms, including the Special Fund for Somalia’s development, and urged swift operationalization. He also proposed the establishment of a dedicated monitoring committee within the Contact Group to enhance coordination and follow-up.
In conclusion, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Qatar and OIC member states for their consistent support to Somalia, reaffirming the country’s commitment to becoming a stable, self-reliant, and peaceful nation.
