MOGADISHU – Somalia is committed to strengthening its bilateral ties with the United Arab Emirates, said the Horn of Africa nation’s foreign affairs on Monday, calling Abu Dhabi a “ traditional and valued partner.”
Somalia and the United Arab Emirates have been locked in a bitter diplomatic spat since the Gulf state cut deals with self-seeking politicians from the northwestern region of Somalia to manage Berbera port and set up a military base there.
Abu Dhabi has recently accused Somali security agents of holding 47 Emirati armed personnel on board a civilian jet at gunpoint and assaulting them before allowing them to fly out. Mogadishu denies that its forces abused any Emirati during the operation to intercept $9.6 million flew in by the UAE-registered plane.
“The Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a strong economic, political and cultural bond that dates back several centuries linking the citizens of both countries through history, economy, culture and geography,” said the statement. “Somalia’s leaders have been committed to strengthening its bilateral relationship with this traditional and valued partner.”
While avoiding to even directly rap Abu Dhabi over the knuckles for undercutting its authority and signing deals with politicians in northern regions, the statement, however, did emphasize that Somalia’s “territorial integrity” is “inviolable foundations of the well-being of Somalia and the security of the wider region.”
“Somalia hopes the UAE can be a contributing partner to these efforts as a counterterrorism and trade partner,” it said.
The statement said Mogadishu “will work together” with Abu Dhabi on the use of the fund seized at Mogadishu’s main airport after the UAE “explained” its “purpose and the utilization.”
“The (Somali government) welcomes the International Community’s support to Somalia’s security. The restoration of Somalia’s security and economy are foundations of wider regional security,” said the statement.