UK to strengthen its relationship with Somalia
The UK Minister for Africa, Grant Shapps, visited Mogadishu and Hargeisa last week. Representing both the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr. Shapps met political leaders from both regions to reinforce Britain’s ongoing relationship with and support to the Somali people.
This included agreeing new support for renewable energy in Somaliland and improvements to water supply in Hargeisa.
In Mogadishu, Mr. Shapps held productive meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Sharmarke and other Somali government ministers to discuss politics, security and development.
Somalia remains at the heart of the UK government’s foreign policy priorities, which includes meeting the country’s crucial humanitarian and development needs. Supporting the creation of a secure, stable and prosperous Somalia is vital for the interests of the Somali people, the region and more broadly.
In Hargeisa Mr. Shapps met President Silanyo and other Somaliland government ministers to reinforce the warm relationship between the UK and Somaliland. He urged all interested parties to stand together and avoid any further delays to the election.
He confirmed the UK’s position as Somaliland’s primary development partner, and signed an agreement to provide UK support for the development of renewable energy.
The new DFID-backed green energy programme will pilot mini hybrid grids, which will combine solar power with existing diesel generators to provide up to 2,000 households with access to more reliable, affordable and clean power.