By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
Djibouti, 15 September 2026 Mogadishu and Djibouti have signed their first formal cooperation agreement, establishing a framework for the two capitals to strengthen relations and collaborate in areas including economic development, trade, investment, culture and social development.
The agreement was signed by Mogadishu Mayor and Governor of Banaadir Region, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, and the Mayor of Djibouti City, Said Daoud Mohamed.
The two officials said the memorandum of understanding could serve as a foundation for broader cooperation between the two cities, particularly in expanding economic opportunities and strengthening people-to-people ties.
"We will cooperate in economic development, sports and culture. We want to benefit from Djibouti's knowledge and experience," Muungaab said.
According to the governor, joint committees will be established to oversee the implementation and follow-up of the commitments contained in the agreement.
Muungaab also said the next meeting between the two sides would be held in Mogadishu, where officials would continue discussions on implementing the areas of cooperation agreed upon.
He said the broader objective was for Mogadishu and Djibouti to become leading capitals in East Africa in terms of development and regional cooperation.
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The Mogadishu mayor also called on Djiboutian investors and businesspeople to visit Somalia's capital and take advantage of the economic and investment opportunities available in the city.
Djibouti City Mayor Said Daoud Mohamed welcomed the agreement, saying it would open new opportunities for cooperation between the two capitals, particularly in strengthening ties between their communities and young people.
"The agreement we signed today opens many opportunities, including bringing the youth of Djibouti and Mogadishu much closer together," the Djibouti mayor said.
Said Daoud Mohamed also expressed his support for the new partnership, saying Djibouti was committed to strengthening economic, commercial and development cooperation with Mogadishu.
The Governor of Banaadir Region arrived in Djibouti on September 13, where he received an official welcome. His visit was part of efforts to strengthen the longstanding ties and cooperation between Mogadishu and Djibouti.
During the visit, officials from the two sides discussed the establishment of a sustained cooperation framework focused on strengthening trade relations, promoting investment and facilitating the exchange of expertise between businesses in the two cities.
The agreement marks the first time Mogadishu and Djibouti have formally signed a cooperation agreement at the capital-city level, with both sides now moving toward implementation of the commitments reached.