On October 6, 2026, African Parliament President, Dr. Fatih Boutebiq, held a bilateral meeting with Abd al-Qader Mohamed Noor, Speaker of the Somali Federal Parliament. The meeting took place during the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly, which is being held in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 5 to 9, 2026. Both leaders, who were recently elected to lead their respective institutions, reaffirmed their commitment to defending Africa's interests and improving the lives of its people.
Dr. Boutebiq praised the Somali delegation's contributions to the African Parliament's work, highlighting their constructive participation and expressing appreciation for the Somali Parliament's efforts to facilitate their involvement. He also emphasized the importance of Somalia's full engagement in African Union affairs and its role in promoting a shared African agenda. The African Parliament President noted Somalia's long-standing membership in the continental institution.
Abd al-Qader Mohamed Noor commended Dr. Boutebiq's leadership in strengthening the African Parliament's role and presence, particularly in international parliamentary forums. He also reviewed the progress made by Somalia in addressing long-standing security challenges and reiterated the country's readiness to participate fully in the African Union's institutional framework. The Somali Parliament Speaker emphasized his institution's commitment to supporting the work of the African Parliament.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation in support of continental priorities. Dr. Boutebiq invited Abd al-Qader Mohamed Noor to deliver a speech at a forthcoming African Parliament meeting, providing an opportunity to deepen cooperation and interaction between the two institutions. The invitation was accepted by the Somali Parliament Speaker.
The meeting was attended by Abba Jida Mamar M'hta, Third Deputy President of the African Parliament. The two leaders' discussions focused on promoting collaboration and coordination between their institutions, with a view to advancing Africa's interests and addressing the continent's challenges.
The African Parliament and the Somali Federal Parliament have a shared interest in promoting peace, stability, and development in Africa. The two leaders' reaffirmation of their commitment to serving Africa's interests is seen as a positive step towards strengthening continental cooperation and addressing the region's pressing challenges.
The 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly provides a platform for parliamentarians from around the world to engage in discussions on global issues and promote cooperation. The meeting between Dr. Boutebiq and Abd al-Qader Mohamed Noor highlights the importance of African parliaments working together to address common challenges and promote the continent's interests.
Key points
- The African and Somali parliament leaders agreed to enhance cooperation between their institutions.
- The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.
- Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defending Africa's interests and improving the lives of its people.
