The Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a strong economic, political and cultural bond that dates back several centuries linking the citizens of both countries through history, economy, culture and geography. Somalia’s leaders have been committed to strengthening its’ bilateral relationship with this traditional and valued partner.

Somalia is making great progress to implement critical political and economic reforms to rebuild its institutions of government and financial systems to deliver security, services and rule of law to the people of Somalia. Somalia hopes the UAE can be a contributing partner to these efforts as a counterterrorism and trade partner.

The security, prosperity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia are the inviolable foundations of the well-being of Somalia and the security of the wider region. Somalia thus welcomes security cooperation to defeat terrorism and rebuild its capacity to deliver security to all citizens. Equally, and in accordance with the laws of the country, Somalia welcomes foreign direct investment because prosperity and economic growth will help unite the nation.

The Federal Government of Somalia has sought to clarify facts surrounding recent developments in order to remove any room for misunderstanding between the two governments and peoples. This effort continues.

As part of these efforts and after lengthy deliberations between the two governments on the recent incident involving funds that were intercepted at the Aden Adde International Airport on 8th April 2018, the UAE has explained the purpose and the utilization of the said funds and the Federal Government will work together with the UAE on their utilization.

To this end, the FGS welcomes the International Community’s support to Somalia’s security. The restoration of Somalia’s security and economy are foundations of wider regional security.