Raxanreeb Online Mogadishu: The Federal Government of Somalia Minister of Defense H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has lauded strategic efforts from the Saudi government to support defense and counterterrorism.

Speaking at a high-level engagement meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al-Muwallad, the Somalia defense minister noted that Saudi Arabia has been a key player in accelerating fundamental stability and ensuring there is peace and security in Somalia.

“Saudia has played an important role in supporting Somalia particularly in areas of defence cooperation, counterterrorism efforts and strengthening the capabilities of the Somalia armed forces.”

Earlier in May 2025, the Somalia Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding that was submitted by the Ministry of Defence to establish a framework for counterinsurgency and capacity building for Somali forces.

The MOU key areas of cooperation focused on intelligence sharing and joint combat of terrorism across the Horn of Africa and the Gulf region.

The deal is expected to intensify Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, who have caused security lapses in the Horn of Africa.

region. Somalia is currently transitioning from African Union-led security operations to a greater national control self-reliance force under the Somali Armed Forces.