Tuesday October 28, 2025
KIGALI, Rwanda (HOL) – Somalia and Rwanda have signed a General Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding collaboration across key sectors, marking a significant step in the growing partnership between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on Monday in Kigali by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, during Abdisalam’s two-day official visit that began on Sunday.
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Under the accord, both governments agreed to establish a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) to oversee implementation and explore new areas of cooperation. The JPC will coordinate efforts in justice, education, agriculture, ICT, trade, and mutual legal assistance to ensure the agreement produces measurable results.In a joint communiqué, the two ministers said that relations between Somalia and Rwanda are based on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and Pan-African solidarity. They added that the agreement represents a new chapter in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.
During their discussions, the ministers also reviewed progress in political consultations, investment promotion, policing, and defence cooperation, and exchanged views on peace efforts in Doha and Washington concerning the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda commended Somalia’s active role at the United Nations Security Council through the A3+ Group, which represents Africa’s collective voice on global peace and security matters.
Minister Abdisalam, who visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial during his stay, paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide and praised Rwanda’s transformation in reconciliation and national unity.
“Somalia and Rwanda share a historic and brotherly relationship rooted in the bonds between our two peoples,” Abdisalam said. “Our nations face similar challenges from climate shocks to insecurity, and it is time to move beyond the current scope of cooperation and explore new avenues for joint action.”
He added that Somalia would continue supporting African-led solutions to regional conflicts through its engagement at the UN Security Council and called on members of the Somali diaspora to invest in Rwanda’s expanding economy.
Abdisalam also conveyed greetings from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to President Paul Kagame, expressing Somalia’s appreciation for Rwanda’s leadership in promoting peace and development across the continent.