Media Center

Mogadishu – Information Office – 27 October

The State of Qatar stressed that it will continue to be a key supporter of Somalia and will spare no effort in providing the necessary assistance, noting that it has provided aid to the plans and programs of the Somali federal government in several areas.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi before the Ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Somalia, held in Mogadishu.

HE Minister Al Muraikhi said that the State of Qatar has supported the development of security capacities, economic empowerment, and job creation programs for young people in Somalia and has supported the trust fund for peace and reconciliation, adding that the State of Qatar has implemented development projects including schools, hospitals, clinics, homes for the poor and income-generating projects.

He pointed out that Qatar Red Crescent Society and Qatar Charity carried out humanitarian aid and a package of development projects worth $200 million, including the construction and rehabilitation of government buildings and roads connecting the capital Mogadishu to the cities of Jowhar and Afgooye. He added that the State of Qatar is implementing the road projects at the latest and highest engineering and global specifications.

HE Minister Al Muraikhi reiterated Qatar's continued support for the government of Somalia and the Somali people to realize their hopes and aspirations to build their nation, ensure a prosperous future for next generations, and preserve Somalia's unity and sovereignty.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of this Ministerial meeting, pointing out that the participation of the State of Qatar in the meeting comes within the framework of its firm commitment to support Somalia in cooperation with international and regional organizations.

HE Minister Al Muraikhi said that the Ministerial Contact Group reflects the commitment of Member States to support Somalia, in line with the outcome of the Final Communique of the Islamic Summit Conference held in Istanbul in April 2016, and in accordance with the decisions of the Council of Foreign Ministers, the last of which was the resolution adopted at the session in Dhaka in May 2018 to call on the Contact Group to convene a meeting under the chairmanship of the State of Qatar in Mogadishu to assess the progress made by the Somali people and Government.

HE Al Muraikhi said that there are many positive developments in Somalia, noting the progress made in terms of security, as well as political, administrative, and humanitarian development. He then expressed his appreciation to all the efforts that help Somalia face the many challenges it had. He stressed that, as Somalia faces a critical juncture in its journey towards stability and prosperity, that it was important to hold onto those gains and to overcome the other critical challenges facing the country, such as terrorism and violent extremism.

His Excellency added that despite the progress made in facing extremists groups, terrorist attacks continue to take place at a high rate. His Excellency referred to the last attack that took place earlier this month on the anniversary of one year on the worst terrorist attack that Somalia ever faced, renewing the condemnation of those criminal acts of aggression. He noted that such attacks aim to undermine stability and national unity, calling for intensifying efforts to eliminate similar attacks in the future.

His Excellency said that Somalia has made significant progress after the conclusion of the transitional period, and the establishment of the federal government with its executive and legislative branches, the formation of federal states, the success of parliamentary and presidential elections, and the peaceful transfer of power. He then stressed on the importance of intensifying efforts to reach national accord, establish security and stability, build national institutions, and completing the democratic transition.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that the difficult humanitarian conditions in Somalia is just a great a challenge as the security and other challenges facing the country. His Excellency noted that millions of Somalis were in need of aid, especially as natural disasters like May's floods in the South of the country take their toll on the people. His Excellency also said that the food security condition has become critical and with communicable diseases spreading. His Excellency stressed on the urgent need to provide aid to deal with this humanitarian crisis. He also noted that millions of Somalis remain in need of aid, praising the positive role played by countries that provided urgent food and medical aid following the floods.

His Excellency also stressed on the importance of developmental support and of investing in infrastructure and long-term projects. He noted that there was a need to add more jobs to the market in order to employ young people, who are the country's biggest demographic. His Excellency said that such moves would not just have economic returns, but will also play a role in combatting violence and extremism. His Excellency stressed on the importance of investing in different fields that includes managing water resources and clean energy, in addition to the country's great capabilities in the agricultural field.

HE Al Muraikhi stressed on the important role the international community can play in supporting Somalia in this period, particularly the role the OIC members can play. He added that such support can be in line with national efforts aimed at reforming and building the countries institutions, as well as committed to the country's sovereignty and political independence.