Doha (Somalia Today) — Somalia and Qatar discussed threats to international trade and maritime navigation on Sunday as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met his Qatari counterpart in Doha and delivered a written message from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Hamza held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during an official visit, according to a statement from the Somali prime minister’s office.
The two sides reviewed Somalia’s social and economic situation, recent developments in the country and the federal government’s efforts to strengthen security, stability and state institutions.
They also discussed regional and international issues, including security, peace and international cooperation, as well as challenges that could disrupt international trade and maritime navigation.
Qatar’s foreign ministry said Hassan Sheikh’s written message concerned bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them.
Sheikh Mohammed praised Somalia’s recent progress and government efforts in several areas, while reaffirming Qatar’s interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation, according to the Somali statement.
Hamza thanked Qatar for its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its assistance in other sectors.
Neither government announced a new agreement following the talks.
Sovereignty support
Somalia’s statement highlighted Qatar’s support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, an issue that has taken on greater diplomatic significance since Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025.
Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, the self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia, as an independent state.
Somalia rejected the decision as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Qatar also opposed the move, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” and reaffirming its support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Doha said the recognition undermined Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The position has featured in subsequent contacts between the two governments.
During a telephone call with Hassan Sheikh in February, Sheikh Tamim reaffirmed Qatar’s support for Somalia’s legitimate state institutions, security and stability, and the preservation of its territorial unity.
Qatar has also supported development projects in Somalia, including major road infrastructure linking Mogadishu with Afgoye and Jowhar.
Sunday’s Somali delegation included Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali and Education, Culture and Higher Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, as well as Somalia’s ambassador to Qatar and senior officials from the prime minister’s office and foreign ministry.