Somali President Attends Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha

 

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has arrived in Doha, Qatar, to attend the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit convened to address urgent regional security and political challenges. The summit, which officially opened on Monday, brings together heads of state, ministers, and senior officials from across the Arab and Islamic world to deliberate on pressing issues threatening peace and stability in the region.

High-Level Welcome in Doha

Upon landing at Hamad International Airport, President Hassan Sheikh and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. Also present at the reception was Somalia’s Ambassador to Qatar, Mohamed Ahmed Sheikh Ali, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Somali President is accompanied by senior government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Abdisalam Omar Abdi, who had earlier taken part in the preparatory meeting of foreign ministers. That ministerial-level gathering set the tone for the summit by focusing on the regional crisis sparked by Israel’s recent attack on Qatar on September 9.

Summit Focus: Security, Unity, and Cooperation

The Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit has been convened in response to heightened regional instability and security threats. Central to the discussions is the call for stronger Arab and Islamic solidarity in the face of external aggression and the need to establish a unified stance on peace, security, and defense.

At the ministerial meeting preceding the summit, foreign ministers emphasized the importance of regional unity. They drafted a preliminary resolution that is expected to be finalized and adopted by heads of state during the summit. The resolution seeks to articulate a common position on collective security while addressing the humanitarian and political consequences of the September 9 attack.

For Somalia, the summit also represents a critical platform to engage regional partners on matters of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, economic development, and reconstruction.

Somalia’s Broader Strategic Interests

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s participation in the summit is not only symbolic of solidarity with Qatar but also part of Somalia’s broader diplomatic strategy. As a country emerging from decades of conflict and currently engaged in efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab, Somalia views regional collaboration as essential to its long-term stability.

The summit offers Somalia the chance to amplify its voice within Arab and Islamic forums and to secure stronger commitments for assistance in security reform, humanitarian support, and development financing. President Hassan Sheikh is expected to hold several bilateral side meetings with regional leaders on the margins of the summit, where Somalia’s security and economic priorities will be at the forefront of discussions.

A Reflection of Shared Concerns

The gathering in Doha reflects deep concern among Arab and Islamic leaders about the fragility of regional peace and the growing risks posed by military escalations. The attack on Qatar has served as a reminder of the interconnected nature of regional security, where instability in one country can quickly affect others.

For Somalia, the summit is also an opportunity to highlight its own struggles against extremist violence, its humanitarian needs, and its aspirations for stability. By aligning with the broader regional call for unity, Somalia is positioning itself as an active member of the international community determined to play its role in peace and cooperation.

Looking Ahead

The Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha is expected to conclude with a joint communiqué outlining the collective stance of participating nations. While the details of the final resolution remain under negotiation, the commitment to a shared vision of peace, stability, and solidarity is clear.

As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud continues his diplomatic engagements in Doha, Somalia remains hopeful that its participation will translate into stronger partnerships, greater international support, and renewed momentum for its domestic peacebuilding and development agenda.