(02-05-23) MOGADISHU – The Federal Government of Somalia and the European Union have launched a Cooperation Process, setting the stage for a significant partnership over the next two years. This process is the result of high-level efforts and technical negotiations between Mogadishu and Brussels in recent months, aimed at establishing a relationship based on cooperation between the two sides.
Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre praised the historic step in his speech at the launch, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the European Union. He expressed confidence that this Cooperation Process would lead to significant progress in areas such as government building, security, safety, economic growth, and decentralization of government services.
Josep Borrell Fontelles, the Representative of the Vice President of the European Union, welcomed the signing of the Cooperation Process between Somila and the European Union. He commended the Federal Government for its achievements in the country’s peace and development, enabling the Somali people to move towards lasting peace and prosperity.
The Cooperation Process outlines three areas for collaboration between the Government of Somalia and the European Union over the next two years, including:
- Implementation of inclusive politics and democratic processes, such as government building and promotion of political stability, judicial system reform, distribution of powers and resources, federal processes and elections, constitutional drafting, and the establishment of a Constitutional Court.
- Ensuring security and stability in the country, which encompasses Somalia taking responsibility for its security (land and sea), rebuilding the armed forces, strengthening the role of the European Union in enhancing and equipping the Armed Forces, and implementing Security Council Resolution 2628 (2022) for a smooth transition of security responsibilities to ATMIS and the Somali Armed Forces.
- Socioeconomic development, including ending Somalia’s economic isolation, increasing domestic revenue, assisting the Federal and Regional Governments in delivering efficient services to Somali citizens, creating an investment-friendly environment, strengthening trade relations with the European Union, and enhancing the country’s economic infrastructure.
The launch of this Cooperation Process is expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace, security, and development to Somalia. As the partnership between the Somali Government and the European Union deepens, it will provide a foundation for future collaborations aimed at further strengthening the country.
© Halqabsi News
