Foreign Minister Davutoğlu attends the Somalia Conference held in London

Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey participated in the Somalia Conference held in London on May 7, 2013.

Speaking at the opening session Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed out that Turkey considers the Somalia Conference as a highly useful occasion in further galvanizing international support to the peace building and state building process in Somalia. Stating that the accomplishments under the leadership of President Mahmoud for the accomplishments since September 2012 are appreciated, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu emphasized the importance of keeping alive hopefulness in Somalia. He added that the most urgent priority in Somalia is to follow a comprehensive and multidimensional strategy.

Referring the importance of implementation of President Mahmoud’s “the Six-Pillar Policy”, “As Turkey, we would like to underline political reconciliation, rebuilding of the Somali security forces and economic recovery and infrastructure development as immediate priorities in Somalia” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.

Stressing that the Somali people are in urgent need to have fundamental public services like health, education, transportation, water and energy supplies, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu mentioned Turkey’s efforts to carry out renovation and economic development activities and called the international community to implement infrastructure and development projects.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu, expressing his pleasure that the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, UNSOM, will be established as of 3 June 2013, stated that one of the main tasks facing the new Mission is to help Somali central and local administrations in preparations for future local and national elections in the country.

“I would like to express that Turkey will do her best to continue the momentum of state-building and peace-building in Somalia” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.

Source: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs