‎Somali‬ President thanks United Arab Emirates for cooperation on security and development

‪Mogadishu‬, 13 April 2014 – His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today welcomed the new United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Somalia.

His Excellency Mohamed Al-Othman presented his credentials to the President in Villa Somalia, Mogadishu. Accompanied by Somalia’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Abdirahman Duale Baileh, the Ambassador pledged his country’s continued support to the ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia. Ambassador Al-Othman stated that UAE is currently supporting development many projects in Somalia such as new hospitals and the rebuilding of institutions as well us providing humanitarian assistance, and the UAE will continue to increase its support to the government and the people of Somalia.

The President said: “We are enormously appreciative of UAE’s support to Somalia in terms of security, humanitarian and development works and we look forward to working together in pursuit of our mutual interests.”

“UAE is a valued business partner and we welcome your interest in the investment opportunities available in Somalia, from the energy and banking sectors to transportation and shipping. We are also grateful for your continuing efforts to build the capacity of our civil servants and to combat piracy.

The Ambassador conveyed a personal message from President of UAE, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, expressing his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He concluded his visit with a joint press conference with the Somali Foreign Minister.