MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Somali minister for defence, Hassan Ali Mohamed has met with Qatar Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday.
The two officials discussed wide range issues including military support, the relation between the countries as well as security.
Speaking after the meeting, the minister commended Qatar’s role in helping Somalia’s rebuilding process.
“We are grateful to Qatar government which is helping us in many fields and appreciate its efforts to be one of the frontline countries helping Somalia,” he said.
Mr. Mohamed noted that he discussed with Qatar Emir on means to help Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab fighters.
“Qatar has always been forefront in the fight against terrorism. The Emir’s Amir emphasised the readiness of his country to support Somalia defeat Al-Shabaab,” he said.
For his part, Qatar’s Emir has underscored the importance to enhance the relations between Somalia and his country.
“We working on means enhance our relationship with Somalia. The two countries have historical relations,” the Emir Tamim said.
Emir pledged support for Somalia in security and development sectors.
“We are committed to helping Somali people, and their government build their country,” he said.
The meeting comes a week barely after Qatar donated 68 armoured vehicles to Somalia.
Last year, Somalia had refused to take sides in the rift between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, a UAE ally.
But relations with the UAE have become strained over the UAE’s investments in the breakaway region of Somaliland.
In April last year, Somalia disbanded a UAE program to train some of its troops.
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