Bartamaha (Madrid):- A Somali delegation led by President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed arrived in Madrid this morning to participate in the 18th international Contact Group meeting in the Spanish capital.
More than 30 countries and international organizations attended the Madrid meeting and President Sharif informed the participants that Somalia is at a critical stage where much has to be achieved in 11 months and the President requested serious and sustained international support for the TFG.
UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia Dr. Augustine Mahiga chaired the meeting and the two-day summit will be concluded tomorrow.
In the meantime, President Sharif met with the Foreign Minister of Spain Miguel Ángel Moratinos who announced three million euro direct assistance to the TFG, help in the establishment of the Somalia’s coastal guard, training for Somali fishers and recovering of large Somalia owned ship currently in Spain.
The President will also meet tomorrow the Prime Minister of Spain.
The heads of delegation from European countries, the UN and the US assured the President that the recently announced track-two polices of the international community will not compromise Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the focus of this policy will be geared towards development and humanitarian assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, two MPs and senior officials in the Presidency accompanied the President in this trip.
Communications Directorate
Email: [email protected]
