EU Welcomes Somali Defence Minister, Delegation to EU Navfor Operational HQ

Yesterday the Somali Defence Minister and members of the Somali Cabinet visited the EU Naval Force Operation Headquarters in London.

In view of the EU’s comprehensive approach to Somalia and its reinforced partnership with the country, the meeting was attended by the EU Naval Force Operation Commander, the Head of Mission of EUCAP Nestor , the Chief of Staff of the EU Training Mission Somalia , as well as representatives of the  European External Action Service, the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa and EU Special Envoy to Somalia . The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the EU’s political engagement and its security support for Somalia, including maritime security.

In partnership with Somalia, the EU aims to help build a more stable and secure Somalia by means of an integrated approach that combines political support, institution building, development aid and security support. The three missions provide counter piracy patrols at sea with the EU Naval Force, mentoring, advisory and specialist training of the Somali National Armed Forces in Somalia with the EU Training Mission, and the boosting of regional maritime security and capability with the recently launched maritime capacity building mission, EUCAP NESTOR.

The EU is looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia as we progress towards the international Conference this September in Brussels, which will be jointly hosted by the EU and Somalia.  This Conference will seek to enshrine international support to address Somalia’s most critical political, security, and socio-economic priorities under a New Deal Compact. thus endorsing a new  relationship between Somalia and the international community with a focu on medium and long term priorities of Somalia and its people.

The EU special envoy for Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso, stated at the end of the meeting

“This event was a timely opportunity to further strengthen EU-Somali partnership on security and ensure effective response to the Somali people of all EU instruments including CSDP missions.”

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Press Release, May 9, 2013; Image: EU Navfor