Somalia's Int'l partners welcome proposal by Farmajo for talks with Federal States

MOGADISHU - Somalia’s international partners welcome the proposal by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmajo’ on 14 June to convene a meeting between the Federal Government of Somalia and all five Federal Member State Presidents and the Governor of Benadir Region (Mogadishu), to be preceded by an initial virtual meeting.

"We commend this initiative to strengthen cooperation and foster consensus and call upon Somalia’s leaders to seize this opportunity to agree on a way forward on pressing national priorities, including elections, for the benefit of all Somali people. We acknowledge other recent efforts by the FGS and FMS representatives that helped lay the foundations for this dialogue," read the statement in part.

The joint statement urges the rapid organization, without delay, of the virtual and in-person meetings announced today.

The partners also welcome continued efforts at dialogue, reconciliation, and compromise among political leaders and further welcome the pursuit of solutions to political differences without violence and in a spirit of pragmatism and inclusivity, including in Jubaland.

They said: "We look forward to witnessing accelerated progress on Somalia’s national priorities through the renewed cooperation of its leaders and stand ready to support efforts that promote inclusive politics and preserve the unity of the country.

The statement was issued by Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Italy, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey,  Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, United Nations.