Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, UK and US Hold Talks on Somalia’s Security and Territorial Integrity

NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Britain and the United States held talks in New York on supporting security and stability in Somalia, with the participants also discussing the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the high-level meetings of the United Nations General Assembly and brought together senior officials from the five countries at deputy-minister level.

Saudi Arabia was represented by Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, the Foreign Ministry’s representative for international affairs, while Saqr Al-Qurashi, director general of the ministry’s African countries department, also attended.

Somalia was represented by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Balcad.

The officials discussed Somalia’s political and security situation, as well as the economic and humanitarian challenges facing the country.

They also stressed the importance of supporting the Somali government in addressing security, economic and humanitarian challenges, while strengthening efforts to safeguard Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting came as diplomatic engagements intensified in New York during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, which has brought together world leaders and senior government officials for discussions on major international and regional issues.

The talks also highlighted continued international and regional interest in Somalia’s security and political stability, amid ongoing efforts to strengthen state institutions and address the country’s humanitarian and economic needs.