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Yemeni Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Mohsen al-Daari held talks on Monday with Somali Ambassador to Yemen Abdulhakim Mohamed in Aden, focusing on strengthening relations and boosting cooperation in security matters. The two discussed joint efforts to tackle illegal migration and terrorist activities that exploit such movements between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
During the meeting, Minister al-Daari highlighted the longstanding ties between Yemen and Somalia, emphasizing the need for closer collaboration to address shared security threats. He pointed out that both nations face challenges related to regional instability and maritime insecurity along the Gulf of Aden — a vital trade route linking Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
Ambassador Abdulhakim Mohamed expressed his gratitude to the Yemeni government for its continued support to the Somali people. He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to working hand in hand with Yemen in promoting stability, strengthening security coordination, and enhancing cooperation in areas such as development and political relations.
The meeting comes at a time when both countries are grappling with the consequences of regional insecurity and the presence of extremist groups operating across maritime borders. Observers see the talks as an important step toward renewing security cooperation and building a stronger partnership between the two governments.
For years, Somalia and Yemen have shared close cultural and historical ties, with people and trade flowing between their coasts. However, instability and conflict in both nations have contributed to increased illegal migration and the movement of armed groups through the region’s waterways. Strengthening joint operations and intelligence sharing is viewed as key to addressing these threats and maintaining safety across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The renewed diplomatic engagement also follows Somalia’s recent efforts to assist its citizens stranded in Yemen. Last week, the Somali government, working with international aid organizations, successfully repatriated 148 Somali nationals from Yemen. The group, made up of men, women, and children, arrived at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport after years of hardship caused by conflict and displacement.
The repatriation was coordinated by the Somali National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI), in collaboration with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Somali officials said the operation reflects the government’s growing commitment to protecting and supporting its citizens abroad, particularly those affected by crises in neighboring countries.
The two events — the diplomatic meeting in Aden and the repatriation in Mogadishu — reflect a broader trend of renewed engagement between Somalia and Yemen. Both governments appear keen to rebuild cooperation on multiple fronts, from border security and counterterrorism to humanitarian support and maritime safety. Analysts say this collaboration is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, two regions deeply interconnected by geography, history, and shared challenges.