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| New diplomatic posts as of April 2013 |
This will be the first time the UK has an Embassy in Somalia since 1991 when the Embassy was closed and the Ambassador and his staff evacuated. This makes the UK the first EU country to re-open an Embassy in Somalia.
The Foreign Secretary was joined at the opening by the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Foreign Secretary and the President also discussed the Somalia Conference taking place in London on 7 May.
Ahead of a meeting taking place at the Somalia Conference on preventing sexual violence, the Foreign Secretary also attended a discussion between senior members of the Somali government and prominent civil society leaders. The meeting was an opportunity for attendees to raise issues and concerns and to discuss plans for working together to tackle sexual violence.
Speaking from the new Embassy site, the Foreign Secretary said:
“Today’s opening is testament both to the strength of the UK/Somalia bilateral relationship and to UK government’s commitment to work with the Federal Government of Somalia as they rebuild their country after two decades of conflict. I am grateful to the Somali President for joining me today to mark this special occasion.
“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 and the region.”
The Embassy has been built on a site leased to HM Government by the Federal Government of Somalia.
