The European Union and Somalia Tuesday launched a Joint Operational Roadmap setting the path for a renewed focused engagement between the two sides for the next two years.

This is the culmination of extensive high-level and technical exchanges between Mogadishu and Brussels throughout the past months, including the Somalia-EU Political Dialogue held last March, said a statement released by the EU External Action Service, the EU’s diplomatic service, this evening.

“The EU and Somalia are long-term partners and this truly inclusive process in defining joint priorities is an example of a successful partnership” commented EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a statement.

On his part, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stated “the operational framework launched today setting the path for a renewed focused engagement is a testament to our dedication to utilizing our partnerships to deliver tangible benefits that touch the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.” The Roadmap represents a concrete plan of action along the areas of focus as agreed between Somalia and the European Union for the upcoming 24 months. It is centered around Inclusive Politics and Democratisation, Security and Stabilisation and Socio-economic Growth.

The launching event took place at the building called Villa Somalia in Mogadishu and was presided by the Prime Minister Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, and the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Tiina Intelmann

Source: Kuwait News Agency