Somalia and the Dominican Republic have formally established diplomatic relations for the first time, opening a new channel of engagement between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Caribbean nation.
Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali Dhaay, and Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez signed an agreement establishing formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in New York on Thursday.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement marks a “new step in Somalia’s efforts to expand its diplomatic relations and cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean” .
The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. It is one of the region’s major economies, with tourism, services and trade playing important roles in its economy.
The establishment of diplomatic relations provides a framework for the two countries to develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest and strengthen political and economic engagement.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Somali officials have been holding a series of bilateral meetings with governments from different regions.
The move further expands Somalia’s diplomatic outreach beyond its traditional partners and establishes a formal relationship with a Caribbean state for the first time.
Mustaqbal
