New Delhi, 15 November (H.S.): India and Somalia held their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, on Sunday, reviewing the entire spectrum of their political, security, economic and socio-cultural relations and discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral co-operation.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the consultations were co-chaired by the Joint Secretary of the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) Division of India's Ministry of External Affairs and the Permanent Secretary of Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both sides identified trade and investment, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), healthcare and pharmaceuticals, capacity building, counter-terrorism co-operation and maritime security as priority areas for enhanced engagement.

The two delegations also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to expanding co-operation across key areas of shared concern.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar