The burgeoning partnership between Saudi Arabia and Somalia, spurred by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, has taken a significant step forward with a newly approved security cooperation agreement focused on combating terrorism. This development follows a recent meeting between the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Hamza Abdi Barre, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Somalia, His Excellency Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Mawlid, where strengthening bilateral cooperation was a key topic.
The significance of this security agreement was further highlighted by a statement from the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The Director of NISA, Mr. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbaloolshe), welcomed the Saudi Cabinet’s decision on May 20th to approve a cooperation agreement signed in February in Jeddah between NISA and the Saudi Royal Security Agency.
Sanbaloolshe emphasized that this agreement, now ratified by the Saudi Cabinet, is centered on combating terrorism and its financing. He stated that it “will be the backbone of our fight against the Khawarij and preventing crimes arising from the financing of terrorism.”
This strong endorsement from Somalia’s intelligence chief underscores the critical importance of this security pact in the face of ongoing threats. It aligns with Ambassador Al-Mawlid’s earlier remarks about the Kingdom’s commitment to assisting in the elimination of Khawarij groups within Somalia.
The Saudi Cabinet’s formal approval on May 21, 2025, of this intelligence-focused agreement builds upon the broader framework of cooperation taking shape under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This vision, launched in 2016, has reshaped the Kingdom’s foreign policy and its engagement with nations like Somalia.
Prime Minister Barre’s recent meeting with Ambassador Al-Mawlid further emphasized the mutual desire to strengthen ties. During their discussion, Prime Minister Barre expressed Somalia’s gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support in aid, security, investment, and infrastructure development. Ambassador Al-Mawlid reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Somalia’s progress, particularly in infrastructure development and counter-terrorism efforts.
Intelligence Sharing and Counter-Terrorism at the Core.
The approved security cooperation agreement directly addresses Somalia’s urgent need for enhanced capabilities in the fight against terrorism. The emphasis on intelligence sharing between NISA and the Saudi Royal Security Agency, as highlighted by Director Sanbaloolshe, signifies a deeper level of collaboration in identifying threats, tracking financing, and ultimately working to dismantle terrorist networks.
Broader Cooperation Under Vision 2030
Beyond security, the partnership encompasses agreements in employment and economic relief, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to strengthening ties. A formal employment agreement from late 2024 promises opportunities for Somali workers in Saudi Arabia, while the Kingdom played a key role in the June 2024 debt relief agreement with the OPEC Fund, providing a crucial economic boost to Somalia.
As Saudi Arabia continues its transformative journey under Vision 2030, its growing partnership with Somalia reflects a commitment to regional stability and mutual benefit. The focus on security, economic development, and people-to-people connections suggests a deepening and potentially impactful long-term relationship.