President Al-Zubaidi Discusses Joint Cooperation with Uganda and Somalia

President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), held two separate meetings with H.E. Jessica Rose Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, and H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somalia. The meetings took place on the sidelines of His Excellency's participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where a range of topics of mutual interest were discussed.

In the meeting with the Ugandan vice president, President Al-Zubaidi explored ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand joint cooperation with Uganda, particularly in counterterrorism and security cooperation, as well as investment opportunities in key sectors.

The meeting highlighted the importance of building strategic partnerships that serve mutual interests and contribute to stability and development efforts in the region amid ongoing security and economic challenges.

In a separate meeting with Somalia’s Foreign Minister, President Al-Zubaidi discussed enhancing security cooperation, coordinating joint efforts to safeguard international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, and combating piracy and terrorism perpetrated by extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda, the Houthis, and the Al-Shabaab movement.

The meeting also touched on mechanisms to boost trade and investment cooperation, particularly between the ports of Aden and Al-Mukalla and the ports of Bosaso and Berbera in Somalia, given their vital role in supporting regional and international trade and promoting economic development opportunities in the region.

During the two meetings, President Al-Zubaidi reaffirmed the commitment of the STC and the PLC to building strong and enduring relations with African countries, based on mutual interests and constructive cooperation across various fields.