Photographer Somali Times
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud is expected to travel to St. Petersburg in Russia, as found out by Somali Times.
The president is expected to attend the Russia-Africa summit later this month in St. Petersburg. The president’s visit was confirmed by Somalia’s foreign minister, Abshir Omar Huruse, who visited Moscow in May.
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Besides the summit, President Hassan Sheikh is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will discuss the relationship between the two countries.
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President Hassan is expected to discuss with Putin how Russia will provide Somalia with weapons and ammunition to strengthen the Somali government forces in the war against the Al-Shabab group.
In May, Somali diplomats announced that Russia had offered support to Somalia’s military to help them fight the Al-Shabab terrorist group.
There is also speculation that Russia will bring Wagner’s mercenaries to Somalia to train the Somali army, but Villa Somalia sources have confirmed to Somali Times.
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The Russian government thanked Somalia for the decision of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud to personally attend the Russia-Africa summit.
“We are grateful to our Somali friends for the decision taken by the President of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, to personally participate in this event,” said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking in May.
Also, Lavrov pointed out that Russia appreciates the balanced position that Somalia has taken on the war in Ukraine.
The government of Somalia is trying to maintain its relations with Western countries, as well as dealing with Russia, which the West is trying to isolate.