Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Participates in Meeting of OIC Contact Group for Somalia

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji participated today in the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group for Somalia, held in Doha, Qatar.
 In his address, Elkhereiji emphasized the importance of mobilizing greater international support to establish the foundations of security, development, and stability for the Somali people. He underscored the need for projects that enhance infrastructure and long-term production in line with the priorities of the Somali government, while highlighting the development of recent natural resource discoveries, representing a historic opportunity for Somalia and the region.
 He noted that the Kingdom continues to provide relief and humanitarian assistance through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, reflecting its enduring commitment to supporting Somalia and strengthening relief and development efforts to achieve stability and alleviate human suffering.
 He also reiterated the Kingdom’s welcome of the reconciliation agreement between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, signed in the Republic of Türkiye, noting that this is the first step towards a new beginning based on peace between the two countries. He said that this agreement reflects a sincere desire to overcome tensions and build a future of security, stability, and shared development for the peoples of the two countries and the entire organization.
 Elkhereiji affirmed the Kingdom's strong condemnation of the attacks aimed at undermining stability and national unity, emphasizing the need to intensify collective efforts to combat and prevent extremism in all its forms, which not only threaten state security but also undermine the foundations of coexistence and sustainable development.
 He stated that the Kingdom commends the Federal Republic of Somalia for securing non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, noting that this represents an important diplomatic milestone in Somalia’s journey and reflects the international community’s confidence in its growing role in promoting international peace and security.