Brussels - Information Office - 17 July
The State of Qatar has invited the international community to join forces to find radical solutions to the crisis in Somalia so that it can maintain its sovereignty and achieve national reconciliation, noting the efforts and concrete steps taken by Somalia at all levels for the benefit of the Somali people.
This came Tuesday in a speech delivered by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, at the International Partnership Forum on Somalia, which began today in Brussels, Belgium.
HE the Minister of State said that the broad participation of the international community in the Forum affirms the common will to find radical solutions to the Somali crisis so that the country can maintain its sovereignty, achieve national reconciliation, establish security on its territory, build its institutions and provide a decent living for its people. "This can only be achieved through joining the efforts of the international community," he said.
"In order to build on the momentum that has been achieved, we must continue to make initiatives to support Somalia, honor the commitments we made, respect Somalia's sovereignty and not interfere in its internal affairs, in accordance with international law and the political declarations made in this regard, in addition to providing full support in the fight against terrorism, which we condemn regardless of its pretexts, and strengthening cooperation between the federal government and all its states without marginalizing any party," HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi added.
He emphasized the importance of increasing support for African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), particularly the by United Nations, pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Charter.
HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs considered that the challenges facing Somalia were not limited to the areas of security, economy, social, institutional and internal peace, pointing to the natural disasters hitting the country, most importantly the severe drought that is sweeping the country.
He affirmed that the State of Qatar would continue providing relief assistance to Somalia and other affected countries, thus assuming its responsibility as an active and responsible member of the international community, out of the belief that peace, security, development and human rights are interdependent and are the only way to avoid extremism, violence and terrorism.
HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs added that meeting humanitarian and development needs, reforms, social justice and human rights must prevail in accordance with the purposes and objectives of the United Nations.
His Excellency said that there is no doubt that since the last elections of 2016-2017 and the election of the new government led by HE President Mohamed Abdullahi "Farmajo" , Somalia has taken concrete steps, tangible progress and reforms at all levels, and the State of Qatar reaffirms its support for the government's efforts and the cooperation of the states, and we urge everyone to persevere in these efforts in the interests of the Somali people.
His Excellency pointed out that the international community's confidence in a promising future for Somalia is confirmed by the volume of assistance reviewed by the European Union, the World Bank and the friendly countries, and this is the first time that donors have made such an important contribution, and we are proud to be among the most important donors.
His Excellency said that the State of Qatar is in constant and close contact with the Somali Government and the UN Mission in Mogadishu, and we also cherish our partnership with the European Union, the World Bank and the African Union in its various institutions, as well as neighboring and friendly countries to coordinate and unify efforts to serve our overall objectives.
His Excellency also pointed out that the State of Qatar's support for Somalia for the period 2010-2017 from the governmental and non-governmental sectors exceeded 200 USD million and in November 2017, Qatar announced an additional 200 USD million support package to support health, education and economic empowerment projects as well as infrastructure projects which links cities and supports the economy by linking the production areas with markets and ports to encourage the international community to provide similar development projects for the development of economy and trade, and that these projects are implemented in coordination with the Government of Somalia.
His Excellency said that the Government of the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities, launched a civil donation campaign in early 2018 (during the holy month of Ramadan), which is the month of giving and love, to help the Somali people, pointing out that all forms of support are through official channels between the two countries and in partnership with United Nations agencies, international relief organizations and the Somali Government.
His Excellency emphasized that, based on the principle of complementarity and support of the government's efforts to establish security and peace and drive the development of the country, it will be important to focus in the next phase on supporting the federal states to develop local infrastructure such as roads, markets, administrative buildings and solar energy in partnership with the United Nations and the World Bank, in coordination with the federal government.
His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi renewed his thanks and appreciation to all countries and international and regional bodies participating in this forum and their continued and steadfast efforts to stand by Somalia to end its long-standing crisis and achieve the desired goals in its security, stability and territorial integrity.