UK Minister for Armed Forces visited Mogadishu to strengthen the
UK-Somalia partnership.
The Minister met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa
Somalia, as well as UN Special Representative and other international
partners.
The Minister also visited UK troops delivering training and
capacity building to Somali Security Forces.
UK Minister for Armed Forces, , visited Mogadishu on 25
February in order to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to defence and
security cooperation with Somalia.
His visit offered the opportunity to engage the Federal
Government of Somalia following the launch of the UK Somalia
Strategic Partnership in November 2023. Minister Heappey spent
time with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa
Somalia, where the pair discussed how to further strengthen bonds
between the two countries, particularly to help improve security
in the country and prepare for the ATMIS transition
process.
The Minister also met British soldiers delivering training to the
Somali Security Forces and discussed options for further support
to Somali efforts to counter al-Shabaab.
The Minister said of his visit:
Somalia is a key partner for the UK and is vital to security and
stability across the region. My visit enabled me to see first
hand the impact of UK-Somalia security cooperation, as well as
encourage greater collaboration and deconfliction with key
international partners, including the UN, US and EU.
The challenges facing Somalia are complex, but we remain
steadfast supporters of the efforts of the Federal Government to
take the fight to al-Shabaab, take greater control of domestic
security and deliver a secure and stable future for the Somali
people.
Meetings with key international partners provided an opportunity
for the Minister to emphasise the need for continued cooperation
and to ensure effective and efficient support is provided to the
Somali Government.
Minister Heappey will continue his regional visit with
engagements in Kenya, demonstrating the vital importance of the
region to the UK.
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