Pretoria, (SONNA) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, met on Friday in Pretoria with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Ronald Ozzy Lamola, and discussed with him ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand areas of cooperation
The meeting addressed a range of key topics, including joint coordination in international forums, preparation of memoranda of understanding, and mutual visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Discussions also covered efforts to ease the movement of people, the reopening of South Africa’s diplomatic mission in Mogadishu, and enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and security.
Minister Abdisalam expressed appreciation to the government and people of South Africa for hosting a large Somali community that contributes actively to trade and economic activity, and highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
On his part, Minister Lamola reiterated South Africa’s unwavering support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, highlighting the commitment to further deepen cooperation and advance practical initiatives that benefit both countries.
Somalia has a deep-rooted friendship with South Africa, marked by its strong political and diplomatic backing of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
