Somalia, Libya Discuss Welfare of Somali Citizens and Migration Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NEW YORK: Federal Government of Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali has held talks with Libya’s Acting Foreign Minister Eltaher Salem Elbaour in New York on the welfare of Somali citizens living in Libya and cooperation on migration.

The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the two countries, with particular attention to migration-related issues and the protection and welfare of Somali citizens.

The two ministers agreed to enhance working relations and coordination between Somalia and Libya on the issues discussed.

The meeting was the 11th bilateral engagement involving Somalia recorded during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting Mogadishu’s diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the gathering.

Somalia has previously raised concerns over the welfare and treatment of its citizens along migration routes, particularly those seeking to travel through North Africa towards Europe.

The ministry did not provide details on the number of Somalis currently living in Libya or specify any new arrangements reached during the meeting.

The talks come as Somalia expands its bilateral engagements at the UN General Assembly, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior government officials holding meetings with leaders and counterparts from several countries.

Somalia and Libya are members of the African Union, Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, providing additional platforms for cooperation on regional and migration-related issues.