By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
Azerbaijan, 19 May 2026 – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Somalia discussed housing, urban development and infrastructure cooperation at the World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met Somalia’s Public Works Minister Ayub Ismail Yusuf at the World Urban Forum in Baku on Tuesday, the council said in a statement.
The two officials exchanged views on relations between Somalia and the GCC, particularly cooperation in urban development, housing and infrastructure projects.
Albudaiwi also reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Somalia’s security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Related articles
The meeting comes as Somalia faces growing urbanization pressures linked to conflict, drought and displacement. According to United Nations estimates, more than 3 million people are internally displaced in Somalia, increasing pressure on housing and public services in major cities.
Somalia has also said it plans to expand urban housing projects, including the Jazeera Coastal Development Initiative, which officials say aims to create nearly 10,000 housing opportunities.
Gulf countries are among Somalia’s largest trade partners, with Gulf markets receiving most of Somalia’s livestock exports, one of the country’s main economic sectors.
The World Urban Forum brings together governments, international organizations and development agencies to discuss global challenges related to urbanization, infrastructure and sustainable development.