Somalia's Hassan Sheikh Signals Deeper Ties as UK Deepens Mogadishu Commitment

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the United Kingdom's Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Kirsty McNeill, at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu on Tuesday, in a meeting aimed at cementing one of Somalia's most consequential foreign relationships.

The talks centered on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation, the presidency, Villa Somalia, said in a statement. Both sides reviewed shared priorities, areas of mutual interest and new opportunities to advance their partnership.

President Hassan Sheikh described the UK as one of Somalia's key international partners and stressed the importance of the relationship, according to the statement.

The two sides also explored ways to deepen cooperation and reinforce what Villa Somalia called a longstanding relationship, adding that the Somali government and people value the UK's role in supporting the country's progress and development.

Britain has been a leading backer of Somalia's state-building efforts and humanitarian response, and McNeill's visit signals that London intends to keep that support on the table.