Iranian Fishermen Released by Somalia Returning Home
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Thirty-three Iranian fishermen and sailors, previously imprisoned in Somalia, are on their way back to Iran by air.
The news was announced by Iran's Ambassador to Kenya, Ali Gholampour, who revealed that the release was confirmed by Ali Mohammad Omar Balkad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sponsor in Somalia, as reported by IRNA.
Gholampour, also the accredited ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Somalia, expressed optimism that the release of the Iranian sailors and fishermen by Somalia would foster a positive environment for the restoration of bilateral relations, opening the door for constructive engagement and dialogue between the two nations.
Highlighting mutual interests, Gholampour mentioned the drafting of a fishery cooperation agreement as a priority for both nations. Such an agreement aims to protect bilateral interests and mitigate the recurrence of incidents involving the seizure of Iranian fishing vessels by Somalia.
The Iranians were detained by Somalia in the summer of 2023 for allegedly operating in the Indian Ocean without proper permits. Subsequently, they were sentenced to six years in prison along with a substantial fine.
