The European Union and Somalia held yesterday in Mogadishu their 3rd Political Dialogue. It was preceded by a meeting with Mr Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of Somalia.

In both meetings, the discussions were rich, constructive and wide-ranging based upon joint priority areas that had been agreed. These priorities will serve as the foundation of a framework for engagement that the Somali government and the European Union are presently developing to promote sustainable peace and security as well as prospects for prosperity. Once finalised, this framework will also form the foundation for implementing and further deepening this partnership.

During the meetings, the EU welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia’s ambitious reform programme aimed at utilising its partners’ support as efficiently and effectively as possible to achieve long-lasting and sustainable results. The EU also noted the positive outreach of the President globally, regionally and domestically for reconciliation, laying the ground for truly inclusive work, which is necessary to address the root-causes of the multifaceted crises affecting Somalia.

The discussions also focused on prospects for the peace and stability of Somalia, which rests on the government’s ability to deliver real economic growth. Somalia is at a critical juncture where the security and political gains made in the past decade need to take root for the country to stabilise. The European Union also noted the significant territorial gains made in the last year in the current fight against the terrorist group al-Shabaab, as well as the government’s stated priority to defeat terrorism not only militarily but financially and ideologically too. These security gains remain fragile in the face of extreme poverty, climate events and weak governance.

Both parties also reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen this meaningful partnership, which will assist with broad-based political participation, an effective security regime and economic development. It will also serve as a reference point for further political dialogue between the EU and Somalia as well as the application of both the EU and its Member States’ support measures.

The Political Dialogue was co-chaired for Somalia by Mr Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah, Minister for Planning, Investment and Economic Development of Somalia, and for the EU by Ms Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director for Africa of the European Union External Action Service.