Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
LEICESTER, UK (HOL) - The UK Ambassador designate to Somalia, Harriet Mathews OBE, met the Somali Diaspora Community in Leicester on 11 May. The meeting was the first in a series of meetings with Somali Diaspora Groups throughout the UK before Ms Mathews takes up her position in July.
The meeting was organised by St Matthews Community Solution Centre and Somali Community Parent Association.
Ms Mathews said that her main objective was to listen to the views of the Diaspora and to start a dialogue with British Somalis about the work of the British Government in Somalia. She outlined the UK Government's priorities, took questions on a wide range of issues and met community leaders.
Following the meeting Ms Mathews said: "This was my first formal outreach to the Somali Diaspora, and I was given a warm and generous reception by the community in Leicester. I was impressed with the levels of engagement and energy that I saw. There were lots of ideas on how to rebuild Somalia, and a great willingness to help strengthen the UK-Somali relationship." Claudia Garland of Somali Desk at FCO accompanied the Designated UK Ambassador.
The event was chaired by Abdikeyf Bashir Farah and Dr Yahye Omar gave brief overview presentation of the Somali Community in Leicester.
The community leaders in attendance included Jawaahir Daahir BEM, Hashim Duale MBE, Dr Sacdiyo Siyad, Maryan Canshuur, Axmed Bile Rafle, Cabdirisaq Warsme, Ruqiya Farah and Abihakim Jama Jooje.