UAE, Norway discuss on Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Somalia – Norway and United Arab Emirates have discussed on latest in developments in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, amid strained relations between Dubai and Mogadishu.

The talks were held after Norwegian Special Envoy to Somalia, Vebjorn Heines met with Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Heines discussed with Gargash over the latest developments in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

Mr. Gargash also detailed the UAE’s efforts in support of stability, as well as the country’s development and humanitarian efforts in the region.

The meeting is part of the UAE’s ongoing diplomatic contacts and efforts for regional stability.

There has been a diplomatic row between Somalia and UAE since 2018.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also suspended all operations it ran in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, amid growing bilateral tensions.

The UAE agreed to train security forces in Somaliland – a region in northern Somalia seeking secession from the rest of Somalia.

Abu Dhabi also signed with Somaliland a 30-year concession to manage Berbera Port in the semi-autonomous region.

It has also started building a military base in the port city.

But, Somalia dismissed the agreement between Abu Dhabi and the northern Somali region as “non-existent, null and void”.

Somalia also called on the United Nations to take action.