Antalya, Türkiye – Somalia and Ukraine have officially established diplomatic relations, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. The agreement was signed during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum by Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha.

“Today, we have officially established diplomatic relations with Somalia,” Sybiha announced on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The establishment of diplomatic ties comes amid Ukraine’s broader push to expand its engagement with African countries. Deputy Minister Sybiha highlighted that Ukraine has already extended humanitarian assistance to Somalia under the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative — a program that has delivered Ukrainian grain to 11 countries in Africa and the Middle East, including Somalia. The initiative has played a vital role in addressing food insecurity, as confirmed by the United Nations.

Sybiha expressed appreciation for Somalia’s consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially within international platforms such as the United Nations.

Beyond this bilateral agreement, Sybiha reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with African Union institutions and African nations in efforts to promote peace, regional stability, and multilateral cooperation.