New York, USA – In a continuation of their long-standing diplomatic relations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, His Excellency Abdisalam Abdi Ali, met with his Moroccan counterpart, His Excellency Nasser Bourita, on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. While no specific details of their discussion were released, the high-level meeting is understood to have reaffirmed the brotherly ties between the two nations.
The meeting took place as Somalia assumes an increasingly prominent role in multilateral diplomacy, particularly as it takes its place as a new member of the UN Security Council. Somali officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, have been using the UNGA platform to underscore the country’s commitment to global peace and stability. The delegation’s presence in New York is an opportunity to showcase Somalia’s progress in governance, economic reforms, and security sector stabilization. The meeting with Morocco’s foreign minister is part of a broader push to solidify international partnerships and seek deeper cooperation on national priorities.
Morocco’s participation in the UNGA is guided by a strategic approach to advance its foreign policy objectives, particularly those related to its regional positioning and territorial integrity. The Kingdom has a history of using sideline meetings during the UNGA to build and reinforce bilateral relationships. The meeting with Minister Ali is aligned with this strategy, serving as a platform to discuss issues of mutual interest. Somalia has historically shown strong support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a position that has solidified the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The diplomatic exchange builds on a foundation of “brotherly” relations between Mogadishu and Rabat. In recent years, both countries have focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as regional stability, diplomatic training, and various economic sectors. Agreements signed in 2019 established a framework for a joint committee and political consultations, paving the way for the continuous exchange of knowledge and mutual support in international forums. The meeting between the two foreign ministers at the UNGA serves to reinforce this ongoing partnership and its importance to both nations.
