Somalia: PM jets off to Qatar, 2nd visit in two months

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Ali Khaire has jetted out of the country on his way to Qatar on Friday, Garowe Online reports.

Khaire, flanked by cabinet members and senior officials are expected to participate in the Doha Forum 2019, which will be held on December 14 and 15, according to a statement released by PM’s office.

“Departing for Qatar for the Doha forum to advance Somalia’s transformation, the perfect global platform to converge with policymakers and present new discourse on Somalia as the new frontier for decades to come,” the PM tweeted.

The annual Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue, bringing together leaders in policy to build innovative and action-driven networks. It will bring together leaders from the globe to reimagine governance in a multipolar world.

This is the second trip by Somali prime minister to Doha in two months. Last month, Khaire traveled to Qatar where he met with Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and discussed ways to further boost bilateral and development cooperation.

Somalia's Federal Government has developed close diplomatic cooperation with Qatar since Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and Egypt announced blockade on Qatar in June 2017.

Somalia, under the leadership of President Farmajo, took a neutral stand on the Gulf diplomatic crisis that resulted in Qatar to finance ambitious projects in the Horn of Africa country as a reward.

It includes the upgrading of a 130 KM road that links Mogadishu to Jowhar and Afgoye which was launched by the Somali premier in February of this year. Doha pledged to fund the project with $200 million.

GAROWE ONLINE