Somalia The issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia

Country profile East African country Surrounded by Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia Long coastline includes access to the Indian Ocean as well as the Gulf of Eden

Somalia – US ties Never formally severed US Embassy in Somalia closed but maintains regular dialogue with TFG

Somalia – China ties They shared warm relations – Maintains trading relationship – Total trade volume in 2002 was US$3.39 billion – In 2007, China state-owned oil company CNOOC signed an agreement with Somali government to search for oil in the Mudug region

Somalia’s ties with the Arab world Generally enjoy good relations with Gulf States Egypt and Saudi Arabia provided military aid to Somalia after defeat in Ogaden War Economic aid from conservative, wealthy oil- exporting states of Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE Saudi Arabia offered Somalia a US$70 million grant

Country’s stance Inclined to the idea of solving the problem itself Welcome close states (US, China, India) to help against piracy

Proposed solution Somalia recognises that the issue of piracy could not be solved by the government itself Allow intervention of foreign states – States with direct interests (for example trade) – Neighbouring states (Djibouti, Ethiopia) – Friendly foreign states (USA, China, India) – However, there must be assurance that Somalia’s military is involved in operations

References factbook/geos/so.html factbook/geos/so.html oc.htm oc.htm oc.htm oc.htm omalia omalia