BAGHDAD (SONNA) – Somalia took center stage at the 28th Session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in Baghdad, presenting a compelling narrative of national recovery and unveiling the country’s vast potential as a future destination for international leisure and investment.
Ambassador Ridwan Hirsi Mohamed, representing the Federal Republic of Somalia in Iraq, led the delegation on behalf of the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama. His address to the council marked a distinct shift in the nation’s global branding, moving the conversation from post-conflict reconstruction to economic revitalization and tourism development.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ridwan delivered a powerful message regarding Somalia’s current trajectory. He informed the gathering of Arab ministers and dignitaries that the country has successfully navigated its way out of the instability that had previously decimated social services and infrastructure.
“We have overcome the obstacles of the past,” Ambassador Ridwan declared. He emphasized that the restoration of security and governance has cleared the path for the world to rediscover the Horn of Africa’s natural beauty.
The Ambassador’s presentation detailed Somalia’s most significant geographical asset: its coastline. Stretching approximately 3,333 kilometers, it is the longest on the African continent, bordering the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean.
Ambassador Ridwan painted a vivid picture of the pristine beaches found in major coastal hubs such as Mogadishu, Kismayo, Bosaso, and Berbera. He described these locations not just as strategic ports, but as unpolished gems ready for development into world-class beach resorts that bridge the Middle East and Africa.
Moving beyond the coast, the Ambassador highlighted the country’s ecological diversity. He pointed to the fertile lands nourished by the Juba and Shabelle rivers, the dense forests, and the temperate climate found in the country’s highlands.
“Somalia offers a complete experience,” the Ambassador noted, citing the rugged mountains and plateaus that serve as habitats for diverse wildlife. This ecological richness presents unique opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure travel, distinct from the typical beach holiday packages found elsewhere in the region.
To appeal to cultural tourism, Ambassador Ridwan drew attention to Somalia’s deep historical roots. He cited the ancient Land of Punt, recalling the historic trade missions and the visit of the Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut. These historical references serve as proof of Somalia’s longstanding role as a nexus of commerce and culture, linking Africa to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond for millennia.
Concluding his address, Ambassador Ridwan extended his gratitude to the government and people of Iraq for their warm hospitality in hosting the session. He also commended the Arab League and the Arab Tourism Organization for their tireless efforts to promote tourism as a vehicle for economic integration and cultural exchange across the Arab world.
The session in Baghdad serves as a critical platform for Somalia to reintegrate into the regional tourism framework, inviting investors and travelers to witness the nation’s resurgence firsthand.
