Emir and Somalian president’s talks successful, fruitful: Foreign Minister

HE the Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, yesterday described the talks between HH the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, as ‘successful’ and ‘fruitful.’

During a joint press conference with the Somali Foreign Minister Yussef Jarad Omar Ahmed, Sheikh Mohamed said the discussions between the two leaders dealt with a number of issues of mutual interest, especially the development of bilateral relations and the support for the new Somali government in its efforts to enhance security and stability.

He stressed the State of Qatar’s support for the Somali government in its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, and “our condemnation of the recent criminal acts that threatened the security and stability of Somalia”.
The Somali minister said the two leaders have agreed to continue communication and there will be bilateral co-operation programmes.
The meeting agreed upon Qatar’s support for the budget of the Somali government, which will begin this month, in addition to supporting the development of the Somali security capabilities along with programme of economic empowerment and job creation for Somali youth, he added, referring in this regard to the agreement on the support of the State of Qatar for the efforts of the Somali government to achieve a comprehensive national reconciliation.
The Somali government requested the support of the State of Qatar to facilitate and conduct dialogues to end the crisis, he said, adding that Qatar has expressed its keenness to provide this support in co-operation with friendly countries.
Sheikh Mohamed stressed the historical relations between Qatar and Somalia, calling on Arab and Islamic countries to support the new Somali government.
The Somali minister paid tribute to the efforts being exerted by the State of Qatar in support of his country in various circumstances, expressing gratitude over Qatar’s support to Somalia over the past years.
Today’s talks were successful, the top Somali diplomat said, adding that the two countries will continue discussions on other areas of support, especially humanitarian, education, health and other areas, to restore Somalia at this crucial stage.
The Somali minister also stressed that his country is working closely with neighbouring countries, brotherly and friendly countries and regional organisations to overcome the difficulties, pointing that there are negative interventions from some countries, which may negatively affect the situation in Somalia.
The recent international conference in London to support Somalia was successful, he said, adding that his country had called on its international partners to work with the new government to reduce activities that hinder the work of the new government.

Source:gulf-times.com