Sunday December 1, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali State Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, met with French State Minister for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, in Paris on Saturday to discuss enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors.
The Somali Foreign Ministry reported that the talks focused on security, migration, economic cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. The French State Minister congratulated Somalia on its recent election to the United Nations Security Council and expressed hopes for close collaboration on global challenges during Somalia's tenure.
France reiterated its commitment to supporting Somalia's counterterrorism efforts and enhancing maritime security, emphasizing Somalia's critical role in advancing peace in the Horn of Africa. Minister Ali Mohamed Omar praised France's contributions through the European Union, including support for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and sought France's assistance for the incoming African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The AUSSOM mission is expected to start in January 2024,
The two officials also addressed the urgent need to tackle migration challenges following the tragic deaths of 22 Somali migrants off Madagascar's coast last month. France proposed an administrative agreement to strengthen cooperation on migration management, focusing on combating illegal trafficking and enhancing humanitarian support.
The tragedy, which saw two boats carrying 70 Somali migrants capsize, underscored the risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Mayotte, a French overseas territory.
According to the government, France also expressed interest in reopening its embassy in Mogadishu, a move aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties.