On February 12, Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a historic meeting, marking a new era in Azerbaijan-Somalia relations. They discussed various cooperation areas, including education, defense, and economic partnership. The signed agreements set the stage for future collaboration, reflecting a mutual commitment to development and security.
On February 12, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia held a significant press conference after their meeting. Both leaders welcomed each other warmly, marking Mohamud’s first official visit to Azerbaijan, which is viewed as a historic event in bilateral relations.
President Aliyev emphasized the importance of this visit in enhancing friendly relations, stating that numerous mutual interests were discussed during their meeting. He expressed confidence that the signed agreements would strengthen these ties across various sectors. Aliyev also highlighted their joint commitment to maintaining sovereignty and working together against terrorism.
Education emerged as a key area of collaboration, with Aliyev noting that Somali students are currently enrolled in Azerbaijani universities, and plans are in place to increase this number significantly. Investment opportunities in Somalia were also discussed, with Azerbaijan showing interest in various sectors such as infrastructure and agriculture.
In the realm of defense, Aliyev indicated that both countries would explore potential cooperative projects, including training and joint manufacturing of defense equipment. He mentioned that Azerbaijan has developed a robust defense industry capable of producing modern equipment for export.
President Mohamud acknowledged the historic nature of his visit, emphasizing the productive discussions aimed at establishing a strategic partnership. He expressed Somalia’s readiness to learn from Azerbaijan’s experiences in stability and development, noting their similar challenges faced in the past.
The agreements signed signify a structural framework for future collaboration, aiming to enhance joint ventures in energy, infrastructure, and education while fostering diplomatic relations. Mohamud highlighted Somalia’s advantageous geographical position as a gateway to African markets, which presents significant opportunities for both nations.
The initial meeting between Presidents Aliyev and Mohamud marks a pivotal step in strengthening the diplomatic and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Somalia. Through collaborative efforts across various sectors, both countries aim to foster mutual growth and stability while sharing valuable experiences. This partnership holds promise for future cooperation in fields like education, investment, and defense, paving the way for a more integrated relationship.
Original Source: en.apa.az
