Leaderships

Khayre’s Foreign Policy and International Relationship

During his tenure as Prime Minister of Somalia from 2017 to 2020, Hassan Ali Khayre demonstrated remarkable diplomatic leadership, prioritizing Somalia’s reintegration into the international community after decades of instability. His foreign policy approach was grounded in collaboration, mutual respect, and strategic partnerships, reshaping the country’s global image and restoring international confidence in Somalia’s future.

One of the core pillars of Khayre’s foreign policy was rebuilding bilateral and multilateral relationships that had been weakened by years of civil conflict and governance breakdown. Under his leadership, Somalia actively engaged with global institutions such as the United Nations, African Union (AU), Arab League, European Union (EU), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His administration strengthened Somalia’s diplomatic presence abroad and welcomed foreign envoys and delegations to Mogadishu, signaling a new era of openness and engagement.

A standout achievement was Somalia’s progress toward debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Khayre’s government fulfilled critical reform benchmarks set by the IMF and World Bank, paving the way for Somalia’s financial recovery and access to international funding. This achievement not only improved Somalia’s creditworthiness but also built trust with development partners worldwide.

In regional diplomacy, Khayre played an instrumental role in promoting stability across the Horn of Africa. He advocated for peaceful dialogue among neighboring states and took part in regional forums hosted by IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development). His administration supported joint security operations, economic cooperation, and shared infrastructure goals to build a more connected East Africa.

Moreover, Khayre was deeply committed to respecting Somalia’s sovereignty while encouraging foreign assistance that aligned with national priorities. He opposed interference in internal affairs but welcomed support that empowered Somali-led solutions — especially in areas like security sector reform, humanitarian response, and institutional development.

His foreign policy also extended to human rights advocacy, migration issues, and global security cooperation. Somalia, under his guidance, was no longer a passive recipient of aid but an active participant in shaping its future through diplomacy and negotiation. Khayre’s balanced approach earned him respect from world leaders and international media alike.

In summary, Hassan Ali Khayre’s foreign policy was not only about restoring Somalia’s international presence — it was about transforming the way Somalia engaged with the world. His administration brought dignity, structure, and purpose to foreign affairs, enabling Somalia to rebuild its reputation and create opportunities for peace, investment, and progress.

His legacy in international diplomacy continues to influence Somali foreign policy today, reminding the world that Somalia can be a respected voice for unity, resilience, and global cooperation.