Somalia and Malaysia discuss on trade

Somalia’s outgoing deputy president, Mohamed Omer Arteh on Monday discussed with his Malaysian counterpart, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the trade and the bilateral relations both countries

In half an hour discussion, both leaders talked about various areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, defence and education, according release issued by Zahid’s office.

“Both sides also exchanged views on international issues of mutual concern,” reads the statement,

Omar is on a private visit to Malaysia, from March 9 to 15, on Monday gave the Malaysian deputy premier a call courtesy.

It is his first visit to the country since becoming Somalia’s deputy prime minister in Feb 2015.

Total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Somalia stands at RM344 million and trade items comprise machinery, equipment and tools, metal, and electrical and electronic products, according New Strait Times,

However, no exports from Malaysia to Somalia were recorded last year.

There are currently 1,531 students from Somalia studying here. Of these, 715 are studying in public universities, and another 816 are at private institutions of higher learning.