MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal cabinet approved a series of international agreements and regulations during its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, while also promoting two senior officials to the diplomatic rank of ambassador.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, reviewed the country’s security situation and recent military operations in which Somali National Army forces recaptured several strategic areas. Ministers also discussed the government’s ongoing response to severe drought conditions and measures aimed at improving the delivery of public services through stronger and more efficient state institutions.
According to an official statement, the Council of Ministers endorsed several memorandums of understanding and international treaties intended to strengthen Somalia’s diplomatic relations and international cooperation.
Among the approved agreements was a visa exemption arrangement for holders of diplomatic passports between Somalia and Pakistan. The cabinet also approved a memorandum of understanding on health sector cooperation between Somalia and the Russian Federation.
In addition, ministers endorsed an agreement establishing a framework for political consultations between Somalia and Spain, along with the regulations governing its implementation. The cabinet also supported an agreement aimed at reviewing and strengthening cooperation among African countries.
The council further ratified Somalia’s agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which focuses on implementing safeguards related to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its additional protocol.
Ministers also approved Somalia’s adoption of the 1988 United Nations Convention against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as well as the 1965 Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic.
Beyond the international agreements, the cabinet endorsed a unified performance management policy intended to standardize and improve the efficiency of federal government institutions. Regulations governing the national agency responsible for supporting the orphans of fallen soldiers, disabled veterans, and retirees of the Somali National Army were also approved.
During the session, the Council of Ministers voted by majority to promote Adan Isaaq Ali and Abdifatah Sheikh Ahmed Abdimanaan to the rank of ambassador, a move aimed at strengthening Somalia’s diplomatic capacity and representation abroad.
