Baku-Mogadishu-Ankara axis: Azerbaijan proposes new strategic partnership

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has reaffirmed his country's commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Somalia, including the potential expansion of ties in a trilateral format involving Türkiye.

The remarks came during a joint press conference in Baku with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Minister Bayramov expressed Azerbaijan’s gratitude for Somalia’s principled and longstanding support within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), particularly its firm stance on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

“Somalia has been a member of the contact group on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict within the framework of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for many years and has always taken a principled position on this issue. Azerbaijan was also a member of the contact group on Somalia and has always supported its territorial integrity,” Bayramov stated.

He praised the growing diplomatic momentum between the two countries, highlighting a series of high-level visits, including the Somali Foreign Minister’s trip to Azerbaijan last year, an Azerbaijani delegation’s visit to Somalia in early 2025, and the visit of Somalia’s President to Baku. These engagements, Bayramov noted, have led to the signing and initial implementation of multiple bilateral agreements across various sectors.

Bayramov also underlined the effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Somalia within international platforms such as the United Nations, the OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Touching on sectoral collaboration, Bayramov highlighted the significance of cooperation in the field of natural resource development. He also noted that Somalia is set to benefit from Azerbaijan’s successful public service model, “ASAN Xidmət”, with plans underway to introduce it in the East African nation.

In the education sector, Bayramov announced that Azerbaijan has allocated 20 government-funded scholarships for Somali students starting this year, further strengthening people-to-people ties.

Looking ahead, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister revealed plans to deepen collaboration with Somalia in a trilateral framework alongside Türkiye.

“Türkiye and Somalia enjoy very close ties in a number of areas. The two countries have relations of strategic partnership. Taking into account Azerbaijan's close ties with both countries, the development of relations in a trilateral format was considered,” Bayramov said.

He concluded by stressing the importance of continuing political consultations between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and Somalia, as initiated earlier in 2025, to further institutionalize bilateral cooperation.

By Vafa Guliyeva