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Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, met with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed Elkhereiji, on Friday during an emergency session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah. The talks took place on the sidelines of a high-level meeting of foreign ministers, which had been called to discuss the latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
The emergency session brought together representatives from OIC member states to examine the situation and consider a coordinated response. The focus of the broader gathering was on recent events affecting Palestinian rights and the stability of the region. Against this backdrop, Somalia and Saudi Arabia used the opportunity to consult each other and align their positions.
According to Somali officials, the two sides discussed the importance of Islamic solidarity and the need for OIC member states to act together during times of crisis. Both diplomats stressed that cooperation and unity among member countries are essential in responding effectively to challenges facing the Muslim world, especially issues related to Palestine and regional peace.
During their bilateral meeting, Ali Mohamed Omar and Waleed Elkhereiji also reviewed the overall relationship between Somalia and Saudi Arabia. They discussed collaboration in key areas including politics, economic development, and security. The talks reflected a shared interest in strengthening ties and expanding cooperation for mutual benefit.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. This message, delivered by Vice Minister Elkhereiji, was welcomed by the Somali side and seen as a sign of continued partnership between Mogadishu and Riyadh. Somalia considers Saudi Arabia an important regional ally, and both countries maintain close diplomatic relations.
The meeting highlighted ongoing engagement between the two governments at a time when regional and international issues require coordinated efforts. Somalia’s participation in the OIC session demonstrates its active role in multilateral diplomacy and its commitment to contributing to collective decisions made by member states.
In recent months, Somalia has stepped up its diplomatic outreach within the OIC framework. The government has been working to ensure that its foreign policy priorities are represented while also supporting unified positions adopted by the organization. By engaging in high-level meetings and bilateral discussions, Somali officials aim to strengthen the country’s voice in regional and international affairs.
The talks in Jeddah also come as Somalia continues to build stronger relationships with key partners in the Middle East and Africa. Cooperation in areas such as security and economic development remains crucial for Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts. Support from allies like Saudi Arabia plays an important role in reinforcing Somalia’s stability and international standing.
Overall, the meeting between Ali Mohamed Omar and Waleed Elkhereiji reflected shared concerns over the situation in Palestine, a commitment to Islamic unity, and a mutual desire to deepen bilateral relations. As developments continue in the region, Somalia appears determined to remain actively engaged in diplomatic efforts through platforms such as the OIC while maintaining strong partnerships with influential member states like Saudi Arabia.