Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Ali Mohamed Omar has underscored his country's appreciation for Qatar's efforts and supporting stances to Somalia and its people, noting the long-term and deep-rooted relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Omar said Somalia has a long-standing relationship with Qatar, and Qatar has continued to maintain a good relationship with Somalia, and this makes the relationship unique.
He described his recent visit to Doha as successful and fruitful.
He emphasised his country's keenness to enhance bilateral co-operation, especially when Somalia needs much support considering its efforts towards development and peace.
Somalia needs much help to overcome the enormous challenges the country is facing, he said, adding that it has recovered as a fragile nation, but faces risks, including terrorism.
He pointed out that Qatar has been in a permanent communication with various national governments in Somalia and provided various support and aid to the Somali people, adding that Qatar accomplished a number of development projects, including the 112km road linking Mogadishu to Balaad and Jawajher, which cut down travel time in those areas from two days to two hours, expediting the movements of citizens, merchandise and agricultural commodities, as well as activating trade movement in general.
The minister pointed out to several agreements signed between his country and Qatar, including consultation and co-operation at the international arena, whether in the UN, or the Arab League and other multilateral organisations.
Bilateral relations are important, as well as regional relationship, and Somalia has many interests whether in the Arab or African regions, he said.
He talked about the most prominent challenges facing Somalia that require support and co-operation, including building security institutions to counter terrorism, and the debt problem.
He indicated that Qatar significantly contributes to building security and military institutions through education. Many Somali students are studying in the Qatari military academies, including maritime, aviation and land forces. Qatar also supports Somalia in its talks with the World Bank.
The Somali minister praised the Qatari efforts to bolster security and peace at the world and regional levels through mediations and conflict resolution, hailing its role in mediating between Somalia and Kenya.
He asserted that Somalia is moving in the right direction to overcome the crises that have been engulfing the country for years, noting that the major challenge which it faces today is the achievement of security as the key for development and the foundation for progress and prosperity.
He pointed out that the Somali government is putting more effort into education right now and hopefully by the end of the year it will have a better environment, more conducive environment that can attract more development, affirming that Somali governments developmental strategy is to start with security, and once that is accomplished it will focus a lot more on developmental projects.
The minister said he was grateful to the support provided by Qatar Charity that supplies a lot of food and medical aid to the remote areas in pursuit of curbing the effects of drought.
