Soviet-Somalian Agreements

Diplomatic relations were established between the USSR and Somalia on Sept. 11, 1960. A communique of June 2, 1961, recognized the common views of both countries on a number of international issues and on the successful development of relations. Pursuant to the communique, the Soviet Union granted Somalia long-term credit on favorable terms for industrial and agricultural development and commercial credit, and granted outright aid for the construction of several facilities, the training of national cadres, and the sending of specialists.

On June 2, 1961, the two countries concluded agreements on trade and payments, on economic and technical cooperation, and on cultural cooperation. On Mar. 27, 1962, the USSR granted Somalia outright aid for the construction of two 100-bed hospitals, a secondary school for 300 students, and a printing house. A protocol of Mar. 27, 1962, provided aid to Somalia for the construction of a meat-packing plant, a fish cannery, a marine port, and a repair shop for agricultural and road machinery; it also provided assistance for the development of land for the Somalian state farms.

In addition, the two countries concluded agreements on air transportation (Oct. 22, 1963), on technical assistance for the construction of a 50-bed hospital in Somali (protocol, Mar. 31, 1964), on the equivalency of diplomas, academic degrees, and other educational documents (protocol, Oct. 3, 1968), on cooperation in radio and television broadcasting (Feb. 5, 1970), on a consular convention (Nov. 19, 1971), and on cooperation in fishing (July 26, 1972).

A joint communique of Oct. 30, 1970, stressed the mutual desire of the countries to expand relations in various areas. In a declaration of Nov. 19, 1971, both countries noted the existence of friendly relations and the achievement of cooperation in various areas. Agreement was reached on a number of economic issues, including cooperation in the construction of a dam on the Juba River, as well as irrigation canals and a hydroelectric power plant.

On July 11, 1974, the countries signed a 20-year treaty of friendship and cooperation, which created a firm base for relations between the countries after the Somalian revolution of October 1969. In a communique of July 13, 1974, Somalia expressed its gratitude to the Soviet Union for its assistance in economic development, the training of cadres, and the strengthening of Somalia’s defense capability.

(This article, as well as all other articles on Soviet agreements, covers data as of 1976.

On Nov. 13, 1978, the Somali government unilaterally abrogated the 1974 treaty.)