Somalia is deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, focusing on shared goals in security, trade, and food production, the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Isak Mohamud Mursa, told Sputnik Africa.
"We want to exchange experiences and also have agreements or cooperation agreements in terms of improving trade and commerce," he said on the sidelines of the first Russia-Africa ministerial conference in Sochi.
Speaking on Somalia’s strategic priorities, Mursal emphasized the value of collaboration with Russia in building Somalia’s economic resilience and countering terrorism.
As Somalia faces unique security challenges, particularly from terrorism, Mursal highlighted counter-terrorism as a critical area for partnership.
"For the security sector, it’s very unique challenges in Africa [...] counter-terrorism is the number one thing that we want to also share experiences as well as information and technologies that will prevent [and assure] further protection [against] terrorism," he stated.
By working together, Somalia and Russia hope to create safer communities and secure a peaceful future for generations to come.
The deputy minister also welcomed opportunities for cooperation in trade and commerce, noting that Somalia’s economic development relies on robust international partnerships.
“We want to exchange experiences and also have agreements or cooperation agreements in terms of improving trade and commerce,” he said, expressing optimism about the potential for expanded commercial ties with Russia.
Mursal further underscored Somalia's commitment to strengthening food security by boosting domestic production. He thanked Russia for its recent humanitarian support, which included 50,000 tonnes of grain, but emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency.
"What we need is equipment, is technologies and whatever will help us in producing the crops within Somalia," Mursal explained, underscoring Somalia's goal to become more self-sufficient in agriculture.