Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, received the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, in Mogadishu on Sunday for talks focused on security and defence cooperation between the two countries.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence, the discussions covered the country’s “security situation, ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants, and ways to strengthen UK support for Somali security institutions” .
The minister and the ambassador also discussed expanding bilateral defence and security cooperation aimed at reducing the threat posed by terrorist groups and strengthening Somalia’s capacity to address security challenges.
Minister Fiqi thanked the United Kingdom for its continued support to Somalia, particularly in the security sector.
The ministry said the meeting forms part of “ongoing consultations between Somalia and the UK on counterterrorism, strengthening the capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces and promoting security and stability across the country” .
The talks come as Somali security forces continue operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, while the Federal Government works with international partners to build the capacity of national security institutions and gradually assume greater responsibility for the country’s security.
Mustaqbal
