Foreign Office Minister meets President of Somalia
16 Apr 2014 04:36 PM
Mark Simmonds meets
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia.
Foreign Office Minister for
Africa visited Somalia on 15 April to demonstrate UK support for Somali peace
and development. He held constructive talks with President Hassan Sheikh
Mohamud, the Defence Minister and other government ministers on issues
including security, human rights and economic development.
During the visit the Minister
expressed concern about recent terrorist attacks in Mogadishu and welcomed the
advances made by the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somali National
Army in securing more territory from Al Shabaab. He also visited Villa Somalia,
where he gave a keynote address on the progress made, the challenges still
ahead in Somalia and UK support.
Mr Simmonds
said:
I am delighted to have visited
Somalia at a crucial time for the Federal Government in their fight against Al
Shabaab. The UK remains at the vanguard of international efforts to support the
people of Somalia in their desire to build a stable, democratic and prosperous
society. I reiterated UK support in my discussions with President Hassan Sheikh
Mohamud and other ministers. I also encouraged the Federal Government to inject
further momentum in its efforts towards a federal settlement and constitution
ahead of elections in 2016.
In Mogadishu I saw first-hand
some of the progress made since my last visit the challenges that conflict
brings, in particular its impact on women and children. I was glad to visit a
PSVI empowerment centre for victims of sexual violence. We will work with the
UN and Somalia to ensure that security is provided to all communities in a way
that upholds the highest human rights standards.
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