EU's new ambassador to Somalia arrives in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia – A new EU Ambassador to Somalia has handed over his credentials to the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Isse Awad at his office in Mogadishu on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

During the meeting, Awad expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for the distinguished relations between Somalia and the European Union, thanking the EU for reconstruction projects of the country.

Meanwhile, the ministry said in a statement that the minister and EU’s envoy have exchanged ideas on to implementation and activates all agreements signed between the two parties and their follow-up.

Awad termed EU one of the most important Somalia’s International partners in the development and reconstruction projects in the long-chaotic Horn of Africa country.

The Ambassador, Nicolás Berlanga Martinez is expected to meet with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo at Villa Somalia compound in the capital to present the copy of credentials.

Last year, the EU and the Federal Government of Somalia signed an agreement to provide €100 million [$111 million] to the Somali budget over the next two and a half years.

Early this month, the European Union has pledged its continued commitment to support the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to implement key programs and activities under the Somalia Transition Plan.

The Somalia Transition Plan is a comprehensive document, developed by the Federal Government of Somalia and its partners, to guide the transfer of security responsibility to Somali National Security Forces ahead of AMISOM’s exit in 2021. 

The 28-country trade bloc is the largest contributor to African Union peace support operations, and through the African Peace Facility, the EU has been supporting AMISOM since 2007.

The EU funds cover allowances for AMISOM troops and police, international and local civilian staff salaries, operational costs of the Mission’s offices and the Al Jazeera Training Camp among others.

GAROWE ONLINE