MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held a telephone conversation on Monday with the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as relations between the two countries continue to strengthen following Mogadishu’s decision to sever ties with the United Arab Emirates over what it described as infringements on its sovereignty.
In a statement, Villa Somalia said:
“His Excellency the President of the Republic, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held a phone call today with his brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the sisterly State of Qatar. During the call, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries, the current developments in the Somali arena and the region, and issues of common interest,”
Qatar’s emir, the statement added, “reaffirmed during the call Qatar’s full support for the legitimate institutions of the Somali State, and its commitment to enhancing its security and stability, and safeguarding the interests of its people.”
President Mohamud, for his part, expressed “profound gratitude and appreciation” to Doha for its supportive stance toward Somalia’s stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while commending Qatar’s political and developmental assistance.
“The call also addressed prospects for cooperation between the two brotherly countries, and ways to support and develop it,” the statement said.
Doha has emerged as one of Mogadishu’s closest allies since relations between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates deteriorated late last year. Qatar has provided substantial military and financial assistance to the Somali government to help secure the capital, Mogadishu, and its surrounding areas.
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