Somalia and Azerbaijan Strengthen Ties with Visa Waiver Deal for Diplomatic Passports

 

In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations, Somalia and Azerbaijan have signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic passports. The deal, announced on Wednesday, underscores both nations’ growing commitment to deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation.

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of an international conference in Kampala, Uganda, where Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar Balcad, and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Samir Sharifov, formalized the agreement. The event was also attended by senior Somali officials, including Hamza Adan Xaadow, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, Somalia’s Ambassador to Uganda.

A New Chapter in Diplomatic Relations

The agreement waives visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders, allowing government officials from both countries to travel more freely between Somalia and Azerbaijan. This move aims to facilitate smoother diplomatic exchanges, strengthen cooperation, and open doors for greater collaboration in areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the signing event, Minister Balcad emphasized that the deal reflects Somalia’s ongoing efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint globally. He noted that Somalia continues to build strategic partnerships with countries that share common goals of peace, development, and mutual respect.

On his part, Deputy Minister Sharifov highlighted Azerbaijan’s willingness to enhance ties with African nations, including Somalia, and to explore new opportunities for partnership in various sectors. He praised Somalia’s resilience and its efforts to rebuild and strengthen state institutions after years of challenges.

Growing Partnership and Mutual Understanding

Over the past few years, relations between Somalia and Azerbaijan have steadily improved. The two countries have cooperated in multilateral forums and have expressed mutual support on issues of global concern, including sustainable development, regional stability, and humanitarian assistance.

Diplomatic observers note that this agreement is more than a procedural convenience — it symbolizes a mutual desire for closer ties and long-term cooperation. It also highlights Somalia’s active diplomacy on the African and international stage, signaling the government’s intention to pursue more bilateral agreements with friendly nations.

Expanding Somalia’s Global Engagement

The visa waiver for diplomatic passports aligns with Somalia’s broader foreign policy agenda of re-engagement and regional integration. As Somalia continues to recover from decades of conflict and rebuild its institutions, such agreements play a crucial role in enhancing its visibility and legitimacy in international diplomacy.

By fostering easier diplomatic travel, Somalia aims to attract more partnerships that can support its national priorities — including infrastructure development, education, and governance reforms.

The signing of this agreement with Azerbaijan marks a new milestone in Somalia’s diplomatic journey and reflects its determination to strengthen relations across different regions of the world