The Minister of Finance of Somalia, Bihi Iman Cige, who attended the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in 2024, held meetings with his European counterparts to accelerate the development of Somalia’s economy and the development of financial reforms in the country. .
The minister had a meeting with Mr. Nick Dyer from the UK Department of Foreign Affairs and Development, the two sides discussed the expansion of UK support in Somalia. Minister Cige reported on the Somali government’s commitment to development plans aimed at reforming the national economic structure, expressing good hope for continued UK assistance. The two sides agreed to increase the contribution of the International Development Fund (IDA-21) of the World Bank.
Also, Minister Bihi met with the Minister of International Development of Norway, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim. He thanked Norway for its role in the Somali debt forgiveness, which the minister described as a historic step that was reached by the end of 2023.
The finance minister expressed the urgent need for funds to deal with climate-related challenges affecting Somalia and the global economy as a whole.
Bihi also held discussions with Ms. Paula Conhte, Secretary General of the International Monetary and Financial Administration of the Ministry of Finance of Spain.
The two officials discussed the ongoing debt relief process and Spain’s prominent role in Somalia’s financial reform efforts.
The minister expressed how happy he is with Spain’s long-term support for debt forgiveness and its good relations with Somalia. Another meeting the minister had with a delegation from Denmark led by Ms. Lotte Mønnø, the Secretary for International Policy Development, discussed how Denmark could help Somalia to forgive its debts through the Paris Club.
The meetings of the Somali delegation in Washington ended with the government saying it was a success, which strengthens Somalia’s decision to reform the finances, and sustainable economic development.