European Union External Action
Press release
Friday, September 20, 2013
I am very pleased to welcome again here in Brussels President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the European Commission.
As you know, today we are organising here in Brussels a major event
for the future of the country, a conference on a "New Deal for Somalia".
Somalia has made important progress this year and this conference is a
recognition of this progress. It's also a proof of the European Union's
commitment to the future of the country and a sign of confidence that
the whole international community is sending to the Somali people.
After a successful completion of the transitional period, Somalia now
needs to focus on peace building and development. This is precisely
what we intend to promote with this "New Deal for Somalia".
I am very grateful for President Mohamud's leadership and ownership
of this process towards peace, stability and prosperity. We, as
international partners, are keen to support your endeavours in reaching
these New Deal goals. Indeed, this will guide our assistance and support
in the future. It will change the way we cooperate, by streamlining the
financial and coordination frameworks with and in Somalia.
In this discussion with President Mohamud, he was telling me how
important the support of the European Union team is. The European
Commission, through DEVCO mainly but also the External Action Service,
have been working hand in hand and I want to congratulate you, Mr
President, because I know that you are personally leading all these
efforts, trying to receive the input from people all over your country
and that was done in a record-time. And you can imagine how difficult it
is in the challenging situation of Somalia today, how difficult it is
to establish, in such a short period, this Compact that is now presented
here in Brussels in the conference for international assistance and
cooperation.
Of course we know that problems and challenges remain - but there is a new momentum now. Somalia's environment is changing.
We, the European Union, have been a long-time partner to Somalia.
Since 2008 we have provided more than 1.2 billion euro to support the
Somali peoples' basic needs and to improve the country's security.
Indeed, 521 million euro were spent in development aid and 697 million
euro in security and counter piracy. And today I am proud to pledge an
additional 650 million euro to support this new phase in the life of
Somalia. And we will also remain heavily engaged in contributing to the
country's stabilisation through our Common Security and Defence Policy
missions, the work of our European Union Special Representative for the
Horn of Africa, our European Union Special Envoy for Somalia and also by
today's conference.
This engagement will continue.
Moreover, our partnership is further underlined by Somalia's
accession to the Cotonou Agreement. This opens a new chapter in our
relations - and demonstrates that Somalia has regained its status as a
fully-fledged member of the international community. With this, our
relations have now a solid, contractual basis.
None of us should be complacent with the challenges that remain. We
spoke about this in the meeting. Recent terrorist attacks demonstrate
the remaining threats to security. Human rights are still under risk in
parts of the country. So, the commitment of Somalia authorities to
address these issues is fundamental. But the good news is that you are
not walking alone. You have the European Union and you have the
international community by you.
Finally, we also discussed regional issues. The Horn of Africa is a
priority region for the European Union. I believe that regional
cooperation in the Horn - for example on trade, infrastructure and
refugees' issues - will benefit not only Somalia but the whole region.
We therefore warmly welcome the constructive engagement of the Somali
government with its neighbours.
Mr. President,
Much has been achieved under your leadership. It is crucial that we
keep this momentum to ensure that the country stays on the path to
stability, to peace and brings prosperity to its people. I know we can
count on you; be sure that you can also count on us.
Thank you.