By HAN News Desk
LUANDA — Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Salah Ahmed Jama, has taken part in the opening of the African Union–European Union Summit held in Luanda, Angola, where senior leaders from both continents gathered to discuss renewed cooperation on peace, security, development and economic integration.
The summit, hosted by Angola’s government, brought together heads of state, foreign ministers and senior policymakers from across Africa and Europe.
Discussions focused on deepening political relations, addressing common security threats and expanding trade and investment ties between the two regions. Delegates also examined the impact of global conflicts, climate change pressures and economic instability on African nations.
During the opening session, Deputy Prime Minister Jama delivered an extensive speech outlining Somalia’s achievements over the past few years, particularly in the areas of peace consolidation, governance reforms and financial stabilization. He noted that Somalia has made what he called “historic progress” in restoring state institutions after decades of conflict, including strengthening the justice sector, improving public financial management, and expanding the capacity of government ministries.
Mr. Jama stressed that security remains a top national priority, highlighting ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and recent improvements in cooperation between federal and regional security forces. He said Somalia is committed to completing the transition of security responsibilities from The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to Somali forces, a process expected to shape the country’s long-term stability.
The Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the importance of continuing reforms in the financial sector. He underscored the government’s work in implementing international anti–money laundering standards, improving revenue systems and increasing transparency in public finances—areas viewed by international partners as crucial for Somalia’s economic recovery.
In his remarks, Mr. Jama praised both the African Union and the European Union for what he described as “steadfast and invaluable support” to Somalia. He said AU forces had played a decisive role in protecting Somali institutions and communities, while EU assistance had been essential in security sector reform, governance programmes, and humanitarian efforts.
He urged partners not to scale back their engagement, arguing that Somalia’s current positive trajectory must be reinforced through continued diplomatic, security and development cooperation. Delegates at the summit welcomed Somalia’s progress and its call for deeper long-term partnerships, noting that regional stability in the Horn of Africa is closely linked to Somalia’s success.
Mr. Jama is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit with African and European officials, focusing on security cooperation, investment opportunities and Somalia’s preparations for post-Africa Union mission in Somalia.
