London, United Kingdom – Somali President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with the UK Defense Minister James Heappey in London, discussing security issues ahead of the Somali security conference scheduled in New York.

According to Somali National News Agency, the leaders focused on the security situation in Somalia and efforts to counter Al-Shabaab, a militant group responsible for a long-standing insurgency in the country. The UK Defense Minister affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting the Somali National Army with training, equipment, and logistics, alongside humanitarian and developmental assistance for the Somali people.

President Mohamud expressed gratitude for the UK’s partnership, particularly highlighting the UK’s role in hosting a global conference addressing famine and suffering. The conference, co-hosted by the UK, the UN, the EU, and the African Union, aimed to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian crises in Somalia, other Horn of Africa countries, Yemen, and Nigeria.

President Mohamud emphasized his government’s focus on emergency aid projects for development, targeting the root causes of the crisis to foster long-term peace and stability. The President’s delegation is expected to attend the upcoming Somali security conference in New York, which will review the progress and challenges in the Somali security sector reform and the transition plan for transferring security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the Somali security forces by 2024.