Somalia and Myanmar establish formal diplomatic relations

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar — Somalia and Myanmar officially established diplomatic relations Monday, marking a strategic expansion of the Horn of Africa nation’s foreign footprint in Asia.

The two countries signed a joint communiqué in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, formalizing ties and pledging mutual cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The agreement was signed by Somali Ambassador Ali Mohamed Abukar—widely known as "Ali Wolf"—and Myanmar's representative, Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe.

As part of the new accord, Somalia appointed Ambassador Ali Wolf as its first-ever non-resident envoy to Myanmar. Wolf, who currently serves as Somalia's resident ambassador to Malaysia, becomes only the fourth African diplomat to be formally accredited to the Southeast Asian nation.

"Somalia is ready to work closely with Myanmar to promote our shared interests and strengthen the bonds between our two peoples and governments," Wolf said during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The move comes at a time when Somalia is aggressively diversifying its diplomatic alliances. Since joining the UN Security Council on Jan. 1, Mogadishu has sought to shore up international recognition of its borders following recent diplomatic friction with Ethiopia and Israel over the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Myanmar officials welcomed the delegation with an official reception, describing the new relationship as a "new chapter" for both nations. While Myanmar remains largely isolated from many Western nations due to ongoing internal conflicts and its 2021 military takeover, it has recently sought to broaden its engagement with African and Middle Eastern states.

GAROWE ONLINE