In a significant diplomatic development, Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali visited Baku, Azerbaijan, on July 24, 2025, marking a step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two nations. He was welcomed by his Azerbaijani counterpart, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, for a series of high-level engagements aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic collaboration.
According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers held a productive meeting where they exchanged views on regional issues, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and the importance of cooperation within international organizations. This engagement reflects both countries’ growing interest in building strategic partnerships and increasing their presence in multilateral forums.
During his official visit, Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali also paid tribute to Azerbaijan’s national history and heroes. He visited the Honorary Avenue, where he laid a wreath at the grave of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the founding father of modern Azerbaijan. He later visited Martyrs’ Avenue, honoring Azerbaijani soldiers who lost their lives in the struggle for independence and territorial integrity. A wreath was laid at the Eternal Flame monument in a solemn moment of remembrance and respect.
As part of his cultural and diplomatic itinerary, the Somali minister toured Baku’s Victory Park, which commemorates Azerbaijan’s triumph in the 44-day Patriotic War. The park, officially opened in November 2024 by President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, spans nearly 10 hectares and features the iconic 44-meter-tall Victory Arch supported by 44 columns symbolizing national resilience and sacrifice.
The minister’s presence in Baku not only reflects Somalia’s intent to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan but also illustrates a broader effort by both nations to foster south-south cooperation across diplomacy, trade, and shared development goals. The engagement highlights Azerbaijan’s strategic outreach to East Africa and Somalia’s efforts to diversify its international partnerships beyond traditional allies.
In an increasingly interconnected geopolitical climate, this visit paves the way for deeper economic, political, and cultural collaboration between Azerbaijan and Somalia. It underscores both nations’ aspirations to play a more prominent role on the global stage through enhanced bilateral diplomacy.
Leave a comment