The UK has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Somalia as Development and Africa Minister Kirsty McNeill made her first visit to the country.
McNeill met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to discuss Somalia’s political and security priorities, including a sustainable transition towards Somali-led security.
She urged Somali leaders to pursue constructive dialogue, strengthen national unity and build consensus around the country’s political future.
The minister said continued political dialogue and security progress would remain crucial to maintaining international confidence and future support.
During the visit, McNeill also highlighted Somalia’s humanitarian challenges, including drought and food insecurity, while stressing the need for greater resilience.
At a World Food Programme warehouse in Mogadishu, she saw how UK assistance reaches communities facing severe food and humanitarian pressures.
The UK provided humanitarian and climate resilience support to more than 950,000 people in Somalia last year.
McNeill also met officials from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission.
She recognised the efforts of Somali security forces and African Union troops supporting Somalia’s security objectives and confronting al-Shabaab.
The UK said it was ready to provide further support through UNSOS to help sustain Somalia’s hard-won security gains.
Existing British assistance includes non-lethal supplies such as food rations, tents, medical equipment and casualty evacuation support.
The UK said future assistance would depend partly on progress in political dialogue and plans for Somalia’s security transition.