Doha hosted the ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Somalia, with a focus on strengthening international support for building the foundations of security, development and stability for the Somali people.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan Bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, who delivered a speech at the conference, said that holding the conference in Doha demonstrates the joint commitment to supporting Somalia and its brotherly people as they embark on the path of peace and development.
Al-Muraikhi noted that the conference comes at a time when Somalia is facing a series of challenges that threaten its security, stability, sovereignty and economic growth, placing a double responsibility on the international community to unite its efforts in supporting Somalia’s national path.
The Minister underlined that respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia is a fundamental and inalienable principle, and constitutes the core of all international efforts.
He called for the acceleration of comprehensive national reconciliation, based on open dialogue with all domestic stakeholders, in order to reduce divisions and build state institutions based on trust and cooperation.
Al-Muraikhi said that political transitions are the backbone of state-building and stability in Somalia – including preparing for national elections, finalizing the constitution, and establishing effective democratic institutions.
He stressed that the process must be inclusive and involve the federal government, state governments, civil society, women, youth, and civil society organizations, to ensure broad representation and a lasting solution based on national consensus.
He also noted that international efforts should strengthen, but not replace, the paths led by the federal government of Somalia, while respecting its sovereignty and independent decision-making.
He affirmed that the Government of Qatar will continue to provide humanitarian, development, and relief support, directly or in partnership with UN agencies and international organizations, to alleviate the suffering of the Somali people.
Finally, he called for unifying international efforts and increasing their impact, emphasizing that all international support should be based on the priorities set by the Somali government.
