Al Mutaiwee receives the Somali Ambassador at DCCI

Discussions at the meeting covered the commercial relationship between Somalia and Dubai, and ways to consolidate and develop this relationship further for the benefit of both nations.

Al Mutaiwee pointed out that Somalia occupies a special place in the hearts of the UAE citizens, as a government and people. expressing his hope that brothers in Somalia will be able to overcome the consequences of the political and human disasters they encountered during the last years. He said that the distinguished strategic location of Somalia at the entrance of Bab al Mandab which leads to Israel, places Somalia in the face of anticipated future problems, which aim to weaken it, making it easy prey to adverse avidities.

Al Mutaiwee also praised the Somali people's alertness, wisdom and ability to fully comprehend the consequences of the crisis they experienced, and said that Somalia will have a promising future due to the opportunities and sources of wealth available there.

From his side, the Somali ambassador confirmed that the strategic gains for the Arab states which stretch from the Atlantic ocean to the Gulf and even the Indian ocean, have increased since Somalia joined the Arab League of States. He also clarified that "Somalia's affiliation with the Arab League has added 645 km2 of lands to the Arab lands, in addition to its control on the African Horn which has doubled the country's strategic value".

The Somali Ambassador pointed to the reports issued by The Food and Agriculture Organization, (FAO), which emphasize that the Indian Ocean and Red Sea are two of the world's richest areas when it comes to the natural and fish resources.
He added that Somalia has 45 million sheep and camels, of which only six million are camels. Somalia has two rivers in the south which flow into the Indian Ocean close to the Kenyan border. Most of the land is agricultural & pasturing, and cattle there only feed on natural grass and forages.

He said: "There are many companies drilling for oil in Somalia, and results seem very promising. There are also precious stones which many traders are exporting and selling in Dubai, as the government's debility during last years caused the inability to restrict selling and trading it."

The Ambassador also stated that the ships are making four hundred trips from Dubai to all Somali destinations carrying medicines, foodstuffs, building materials, all types of cars and vehicles. He clarified that the Somali trade has intensified lately with Dubai and U.A.E. and that is a pleasing matter, then finally he expressed his wish that the common work will be increased to strengthen the trade relationships between Somalia and U.A.E.