File Photo/Somali Times
The relations between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Somalia have evolved stronger year after year enjoying full support of the leaders and their keenness to strengthening of bilateral co-operation in the trade, investment, culture, diplomatic cooperation and other fields.
Qatar has spared no efforts to support Somalia in all stages of its ordeal providing material and moral support throughout the path of national reconciliation, the reconstruction and rehabilitation of government institutions.
The political relations between the two countries have witnessed a remarkable development that reflects the mutual coordination between the two sides in the regional and international forums on issues of common concerns to the benefit of the two sides, supported by joint diplomatic efforts such as the event organised by the State of Qatar in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund.
The event was held on the sidelines of the second United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week entitled “Facing the new and evolving challenges in the new decade: Through rehabilitation and reintegration in Somalia”.
The Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, H E Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, stressed that Qatar has always been a reliable international partner for Somalia, as it provides it with political support and military aid to strengthen the security sector and improve its ability to confront persistent threats and terrorism. Nevertheless,
Qatari aid to Somalia is not limited to security and military aid, but mainly focused on the people and directed towards providing development assistance and investing in vital areas such as education and providing job opportunities to help Somalia restore stability and prosperity. She also emphasised that Qatar supports the mission of the Global Fund as its mission is in line with its comprehensive approach to preventing and combating violent extremism and terrorism, and its firm belief in the inevitability of addressing violent extremism from its roots.
Qatar’s support to Somalia aims to promote a culture of peace and tolerance through tools such as education, health and sports, and is keen to improve economic conditions by providing job opportunities and development assistance. In this context came the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) partnership agreement with the Somali government in November 2017 aiming to strengthen the government efforts of stability, development of projects and reconstruction of public facilities.
Qatar will continue working intensively to strengthen relations with Somalia as ties between the two States have witnessed outstanding achievements that have directly contributed to the consolidation of cooperation in areas of mutual interests.
Source: The Peninsula