Photos: Oman reopens its embassy in Mogadishu after 36 years

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The Sultanate of Oman has reopened its embassy in the city of Mogadishu 36 years later, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia.

This comes at a time when the two countries are enhancing their diplomatic relations and cooperation in the areas of transportation, communication, and trade, with direct flights connecting Muscat and Mogadishu having started in September.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Abdisalaan Abdi Ali, today, on the date of October 24, 2026, received a copy of the credentials of the newly appointed ambassador of Oman to Somalia, Salim bin Habib Al-Omani.

The minister congratulated the ambassador on the reopening of the embassy, describing this step as a clear indication of the strong confidence that the government of Oman has in Somalia.

He also welcomed the new ambassador and promised that the ministry would fully support him in fulfilling his diplomatic duties.

Abdisalaan thanked the government of Oman for its continued support for the independence and territorial integrity of Somalia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman also stated that the meeting focused on the relationship between the two countries and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in various areas that serve their mutual interests.

Support for the unity of Somalia

The reopening of the embassy follows ministerial-level contacts that both sides have had this year. Minister Cabdisalaan visited Oman on April 25, where he met with his counterpart from that country, Badar Al-Busaidi.

The two ministers then discussed the development of relations between the two countries and the situation in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the importance of supporting efforts to strengthen security, stability, and development.

During that meeting, Al-Busaidi reiterated Oman's position supporting the unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Somalia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman also stated that the country does not recognize administrations outside the framework of the Somali government.

On his part, the Somali minister praised Oman's diplomatic role and its efforts to support stability, reconciliation, and dialogue.

Somalia also has an embassy in Oman's capital, Muscat, which is led by Ambassador Bashiir Xasan Xaaji.

Transport and Trade

The relationship between the two countries is also reaching economic and infrastructure aspects. While in Muscat in April, Cabdisalaan held another meeting with the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology of Oman, Saciid bin Xamuud Al-Macwaali.

Those discussions focused on cooperation in transport, communications, and technology, supporting the development of digital services in Somalia and building infrastructure. Both sides also emphasized their desire to engage businesses and strengthen collaboration among technical agencies.

A delegation led by Al-Macwaali visited Mogadishu on February 24, 2025, prior to those meetings. The delegation included officials from Omani agencies in trade, agriculture, fishing, investment, and airports, who discussed cooperation opportunities with Somalia.

In terms of connectivity, Oman's SalamAir airline began direct flights connecting Muscat and Mogadishu on September 3, 2026, announcing that they will operate twice a week.

The company stated that this new route facilitates business travel and the relationship between companies in both countries, while also providing passengers in Mogadishu with opportunities to continue to other destinations in the Middle East and Asia.