Foreign Secretary William Hague has opened a new British embassy in Mogadishu – the first time the UK has had one in Somalia since 1991.
The UK is the first European Union country to reopen an embassy in the country since the Federal Government of Somalia was established last year.
Mr Hague said Somalia had been through a “dramatic shift”, but continues to face “huge challenges”.
The prime minister will host a Somalia Conference in London on 7 May.
The conference, which will be co-hosted by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aims to provide co-ordinated international support for the new government as it rebuilds the country after two decades of conflict…
He said the opening of the embassy was “testament” to the strength of the UK/Somalia bilateral relationship.
“We will continue to work closely with the Somalia government on shared priorities, which include tackling conflict, countering terrorism and piracy, providing humanitarian assistance, and promoting UK interests in Somalia,” he added.
Accompanied by the president, the foreign secretary opened the “core office” of the new embassy, which consists of six customised shipping containers at Mogadishu International Airport, with a short ceremony and flag-raising.
- BBC News
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