DOHA, Qatar – Somalia and Qatar have signed four major cooperation agreements during the inaugural session of the Somalia–Qatar Joint Committee, marking a significant step in deepening political, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
The high-level meeting, held in Doha on December 9, 2025, was co-chaired by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi. Somalia’s delegation arrived in the Qatari capital to participate in what both sides described as a milestone session aimed at expanding long-term strategic cooperation.
During the session, the two governments finalized and signed four cooperation agreements covering culture, customs, youth development, and agriculture—sectors both countries view as essential to sustainable development and mutual growth.
Under the Culture and Heritage Agreement, the two nations committed to strengthening collaboration between libraries, national archives, and cultural institutions. The pact includes joint cultural festivals, art exhibitions, knowledge-exchange programs, and participation in international book fairs hosted in either country.
A Customs Cooperation Agreement signed by Somalia’s Ministry of Finance aims to improve the enforcement of customs laws, streamline inspections, combat smuggling and customs-related crimes, and enhance the accuracy of tax and tariff assessments, in line with regional and international standards.
The Youth and Sports Development Agreement focuses on empowering young people through exchange programs, joint workshops, youth conferences, training in leadership and project management, and increased collaboration between youth organizations in both countries.
In the Agricultural Partnership, both governments agreed to work together to increase food production and promote modern agricultural technologies. The deal covers knowledge sharing in agricultural science, improved fertilization practices, greenhouse development, storage systems, and broader research and capacity-building efforts.
Officials from both Somalia and Qatar described the accords as a clear reflection of their renewed strategic direction and shared commitment to sustainable development, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The session concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to implementing the agreements through the newly established Joint Committee.
