RI-Somalia Strengthen Strategic Cooperation, Foreign Minister Sugiono: We Fight For A Fair And Inclusive World Order

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Somalia have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation amidst the current geopolitical dynamics, in order to jointly fight for a just and inclusive world order.

This was said by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono when receiving an official visit from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia Abdisalam Abdi Ali at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Thursday.

On this occasion, Indonesia and Somalia agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through concrete cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, maritime and education.

Foreign Minister Sugiono welcomed this visit as a sign of a joint commitment between the two countries in building solidarity between Global South countries.

"In the midst of the current geopolitical dynamics, the Indonesia Somali partnership is increasingly relevant. We are both fighting for a just and inclusive world order through mutually respectful cooperation," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, July 31.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the potential for economic cooperation that could be further developed, especially with the entry of Somalia into the East African Community (EAC).

"We see Somalia as a key partner in Sub-Sabaler Africa, and hope Somalia can become the hub for Indonesian products in the region," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Foreign Minister also emphasized Indonesia's commitment to continue to encourage technical cooperation and capacity building with Somalia, especially in the fisheries, acultural, agricultural and meat processing sectors, as well as health.

In this regard, Indonesia has contributed to the development of an Intensive Care Unit at the East Africa University Hospital, in Boso, through a trilateral cooperation scheme with Indonesian Aid and the Islamic Development Bank (Islamic Development Bank-IsDB).

In the field of education, Foreign Minister Sugiono encouraged Somalia to take advantage of various scholarship programs offered by Indonesia, such as the Development State Partnership (KNB) scholarship, Darmasiswa and The Indonesia Aid Scholarship (TIAS).

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also open to exploring cooperation in diplomat training for Somali diplomats to further strengthen our cooperation," added Foreign Minister Sugiono.

As two countries with a majority of Muslims, Indonesia and Somalia are also determined to strengthen their role in promoting the value of moderation and peace in the Islamic world, including through cooperation in the OIC and other multilateral forums.

"Indonesia is ready to become Somalia's trusted partner, building a common future as part of the collective votes of developing countries," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

It is known that diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Somalia were officially opened on December 21, 1960. Indonesia and Somalia are also active members of the Non-Aligned Movement and cooperation between the Islamic world through the OIC.

In recent years, development cooperation between the two countries has continued to develop, including health projects, technical training and scholarship programs as a form of South-South solidarity.

After the bilateral meeting, the two Foreign Ministers also signed a Visa Free Agreement for diplomatic and service passport holders as the first step in strengthening inter-community relations.