Somalia, Qatar deepen defense ties with new cooperation deal

By Jomaa Younis and Tarek Chouiref

ISTANBUL (AA) – Somalia and Qatar on Monday signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military ties and expanding security coordination between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Qatari Defense Minister Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani on the sidelines of the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), according to Somalia’s state-run news agency SONNA.

The deal seeks to enhance defense cooperation, develop mechanisms for security coordination and support joint efforts to promote security and stability at both regional and international levels, the agency said.

SONNA noted that the agreement reflects the growing strategic partnership between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the State of Qatar, underscoring the two sides’ shared interest in advancing cooperation in defense and security-related fields.

Earlier on Monday, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurated the ninth edition of DIMDEX, hosted at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha.

The four-day event spans more than 40,000 square meters and brings together over 200 Qatari and international companies operating across the maritime, land and air defense sectors.

The exhibition is also seeing record participation by high-level official delegations, with more than 110 delegations attending from around the world.