By Horn Africa News Staff
Mogadishu — Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre officially welcomed the newly appointed United Kingdom Ambassador to Somalia, Mr. Charles Nicholas King, at the Prime Minister’s office in the capital, Mogadishu. This high-level diplomatic meeting served to reaffirm the strong and enduring relationship between Somalia and the United Kingdom, as both countries seek to enhance cooperation on multiple fronts.
The discussions between the two leaders covered a wide range of bilateral priorities, including national security, political development, democratic reforms, anti-terrorism strategies, and UK-supported development initiatives across Somalia. The meeting also emphasized the importance of international partnerships in stabilizing and rebuilding post-conflict Somalia.
Focus on Security and Anti-Terrorism
Prime Minister Barre provided an in-depth briefing to Ambassador King on Somalia’s ongoing counterterrorism operations against the extremist militant group Al-Shabaab. He highlighted the recent military gains and the growing capacity of Somali security forces to take the lead in operations as international support gradually shifts toward long-term stabilization and development.
Barre acknowledged the UK’s longstanding support for Somalia’s security sector, including training and equipping Somali forces, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic backing for Somalia’s state-building goals.
Progress Toward Democratic Elections
Another key topic of the meeting was the progress toward one-person, one-vote elections, a historic milestone for Somalia’s democratic transformation. Prime Minister Barre informed Ambassador King that voter registration is currently underway in several regions, marking an important step toward inclusive and representative governance.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming elections are peaceful, transparent, and widely participatory, stressing that this electoral process would lay the foundation for a more stable and democratic Somalia.
Development Cooperation and State-Building
Ambassador King expressed the United Kingdom’s firm commitment to supporting Somalia’s political and economic recovery. He praised the Federal Government’s efforts to engage with the National Consultative Council (Madasha Samatabixinta), an important platform for dialogue and coordination between federal and regional leaders.
The Ambassador also underscored the UK’s role in advancing development cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and climate resilience, noting that these efforts aim to improve the lives of ordinary Somalis and build a peaceful future.
“The United Kingdom remains a dedicated partner to Somalia,” Ambassador King stated. “We support Somalia’s vision for peace, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepening diplomatic ties and strengthening the partnership between the two nations. Both leaders agreed on the importance of continued dialogue, coordination, and support in areas that are critical to Somalia’s recovery and future prosperity.
This visit by Ambassador King signals the beginning of a new chapter in UK-Somalia relations, with both governments determined to work closely together toward achieving long-term peace, security, and development in the Horn of Africa.
