The Federal Government of Somalia welcomes the overwhelming endorsement of the progress made by Somalia over the past year as reflected in the joint communique released at recent Somali Partnership Forum, chaired by H.E. President Mohamed Abdulahi Mohamed in Brussels from 16-17 July.
International partners commended Somalia’s “upward trajectory” and the remarkable progress made by the Federal Government to advance political, economic and security reforms. Reflecting this endorsement, partners made financial commitments to the tune of EUR 1.2 billion, a quarter of which shall be channeled for the first time directly through the government’s budget.
Co-hosted by Somalia, the EU and Sweden, with the AU and UN as co-chairs, the Somali Partnership Forum brought together representatives from over 60 countries, international organizations and Somalia’s public and private sector.
The President thanked the EU and Sweden for hosting the Forum and the entire international community for their active participation and support towards Somalia.
He particularly thanked the European Union for the significant efforts invested in the recovery of Somalia and the constructive approach demonstrated.
International financial support will contribute to further advance the government’s reform agenda. To that end, the government committed to the swift implementation of the Somalia transition plan for security, the finalization of the constitutional review process, the implementation of the recently agreed electoral model and work towards the normalization of relations with International Financial Institutions.
Specific reference was made to the “landmark political agreements between the FGS and FMS” on the electoral model 2020 and the resource sharing reached in Baidoa in June 2018. These agreements will decisively contribute to the consolidation of the federal model and the establishment of a durable political framework for the country.
The Federal Government of Somalia also recognized on behalf of all the people of Somalia the efforts of the international community and Somali diaspora that allowed us to avert a famine in 2017, and welcomed the proactive work jointly undertaken in building a long-term Resilience and Recovery Framework (RRF).
The forum officially recognized the considerable progress that the Federal Government of Somalia has made in opening a path towards achieving debt relief, which will offer Somalia the opportunity to have access to international concessional financing. The next stage of an accelerated implementation will require unity of purpose by all Somalia leaders as well as unified increased political commitment from the international community.
The forum took place amid recent positive developments in the Horn of Africa region, with the President reaffirming Somalia’s determination to be part of, and benefit from, this new opportunity for reconciliation and stability, regional cooperation and economic integration.
The active participation and subsequent statement of the United Arab Emirates and its expression of support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty is both noted and welcome.
We share entirely their commitment to building regional peace and prosperity. In that regard, the Federal Government of Somalia welcomes any opportunity to move with urgency in furthering this strategic agenda.
The Federal Government and international partners expressed their commitment to translate the outcomes of the Somali Partnership Forum into concrete action over the next six months.
