Somalia Holds Talks with World Bank and IMF Officials in Bangkok

BANGKOK — Somalia’s Finance Minister Biixi Imaan Cige has held talks with senior World Bank and International Monetary Fund officials in Bangkok, as the country seeks to strengthen economic cooperation and attract development financing.

Cige and a delegation are in the Thai capital for meetings with international financial institutions and partner countries on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF.

The minister met World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiame Diop and Zarau Kibwe, the bank’s executive director representing a constituency of countries that includes Somalia.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the World Bank. The officials also highlighted the bank’s role in supporting Somalia’s development amid changing global economic conditions and emerging opportunities.

Cige also met Jihad Azour, director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, to discuss the implementation of Somalia’s economic reform programme, adapting to the effects of global changes and expanding opportunities for sustainable development financing.

The Somali delegation is expected to attend further high-level meetings during the annual gatherings, with the finance minister also scheduled to deliver remarks on Somalia’s economic situation and broader regional economic conditions.

The meetings form part of Somalia’s efforts to deepen engagement with international financial institutions, strengthen economic partnerships and secure support for the country’s development priorities.