Somalia and Azerbaijan have taken steps to deepen bilateral relations following high-level talks in Mogadishu focused on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, education, and infrastructure development.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mogadishu, brought together Somalia’s top diplomats and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador-designate. The two sides discussed ways to build stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships and committed to launching new collaborative initiatives across key sectors.
According to officials, Somalia and Azerbaijan are looking to improve trade ties by simplifying customs processes, exploring direct shipping links, and creating investment-friendly frameworks. Somalia highlighted opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, and logistics, while Azerbaijan expressed interest in tapping into Somalia’s emerging markets and strategic location in the Horn of Africa.
The two nations also agreed to enhance educational exchange. Azerbaijan pledged to offer scholarships to Somali students and support training programs in technology, engineering, and medicine. Plans were also discussed for academic partnerships between institutions in both countries.
In the energy sector, Somalia expressed interest in Azerbaijan’s experience with renewables, particularly solar power, as part of efforts to expand access to clean and affordable electricity.
A joint working group is expected to be formed in the coming weeks to prepare a roadmap for implementing the proposals discussed. Both governments said formal agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed later this year to solidify the new areas of cooperation.
Officials said the talks reflect Somalia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its international partnerships as the country focuses on recovery, infrastructure growth, and long-term economic development.
The renewed diplomatic momentum marks a significant step in building stronger ties between East Africa and Eurasia, with both countries pledging continued dialogue and collaboration.
Energy and Infrastructure Officials explored potential partnerships in renewable energy—especially solar—and infrastructure modernization. Somalia expressed interest in leveraging Azerbaijani expertise in energy planning and utility networks.
Education and Technical Training Plans were discussed to offer scholarships for Somali students at Azerbaijani universities, alongside technical training programs in engineering, agriculture, and information technologies.
Transport and Logistics The two nations considered developing direc shipping routes and air connections to facilitate trade, ecommerce, and people-to-people exchange.
Somalia emphasized its growing sense of stability and emerging investment climate, encouraging Azerbaijan to take a leading role in key projects as the country moves to diversify its economic partnerships. In turn, Azerbaijan showcased its interest in engaging with emerging markets across the Horn of Africa.
“Today’s meeting sets a new tone of pragmatic cooperation,” said one local official. “We are leveraging global partnerships to rebuild our nation and accelerate development.”
Both sides committed to forming joint working groups within the next quarter to formalize agreements through memoranda of understanding, with a view to signing specific pacts later this year or early 2026.
As Somalia seeks to broaden its foreign relations and economic base, this cooperation dialogue with an influential Eurasian partner represents a strategic step toward forging new trade, knowledge exchange, and investment pathways.
