Somalia Moves to Deepen Ties with Japan After 38-Year Diplomatic Gap

GOOBJOOG NEWS | TOKYO: Somalia has accredited a new envoy to Japan for the first time in nearly four decades, in a step officials said would help strengthen economic and political ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Hodan Osman Abdi, who is also Somalia’s envoy to China, presented her credentials in Tokyo on Monday as non-resident ambassador.

Somalia’s foreign ministry said the move opens the door for new cooperation in trade, infrastructure and investment, with Japan seen as a key partner in supporting stability and development.

Diplomatic engagement with Tokyo has been largely dormant since 1987, despite Japan being among the first countries to recognise Somalia’s independence in 1960.