02/02/2012
Hague Makes Historic Visit To Somalia
The Foreign Secretary has visited the war torn country of Somalia – the first such visit by a foreign secretary in 20 years.
While in the country's capital Mogadishu, William Hague said the visit was a sign of Britain's commitment to the people and country of Somalia.
The Foreign Office said the visit followed political and security improvements in the region, which were offering the people of Somalia the opportunity to lay the foundations for greater long term stability.
Ahead of the London Conference on Somalia later this month, the Foreign Secretary met with the President, Prime Minister and the Mayor of Mogadishu to stress the importance we attach to the completion of political transition this summer.
He told the leaders that while Somalia's problems cannot be resolved overnight, the UK hoped that the conference will act as a catalyst for a new, long term international and Somali effort.
The Foreign Secretary said: "Today I am delighted to have made the first visit to Mogadishu by a British Foreign Secretary for over 19 years. This is a sign of Britain's commitment to the people and country of Somalia.
"As a further demonstration of our long-term commitment to Somalia, the UK's new Ambassador to Somalia, Matt Baugh has today presented his credentials to President Sheikh Sharrif."
The visit comes only a week after Navy Seals swooped into Somalia and rescued two aid workers, an American woman and a Danish man, who had been abducted by Somali pirates.
(DW/GK)
While in the country's capital Mogadishu, William Hague said the visit was a sign of Britain's commitment to the people and country of Somalia.
The Foreign Office said the visit followed political and security improvements in the region, which were offering the people of Somalia the opportunity to lay the foundations for greater long term stability.
Ahead of the London Conference on Somalia later this month, the Foreign Secretary met with the President, Prime Minister and the Mayor of Mogadishu to stress the importance we attach to the completion of political transition this summer.
He told the leaders that while Somalia's problems cannot be resolved overnight, the UK hoped that the conference will act as a catalyst for a new, long term international and Somali effort.
The Foreign Secretary said: "Today I am delighted to have made the first visit to Mogadishu by a British Foreign Secretary for over 19 years. This is a sign of Britain's commitment to the people and country of Somalia.
"As a further demonstration of our long-term commitment to Somalia, the UK's new Ambassador to Somalia, Matt Baugh has today presented his credentials to President Sheikh Sharrif."
The visit comes only a week after Navy Seals swooped into Somalia and rescued two aid workers, an American woman and a Danish man, who had been abducted by Somali pirates.
(DW/GK)
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26 October 2011
Emergency Summit Announced Over Euro Crisis
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Emergency Summit Announced Over Euro Crisis
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.