Somali President Praises Qatar's Role In Global Affairs

Doha , March 04 (QNA) - President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud said that his talks with HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Monday focused on strengthening bilateral relations as well as discussing regional and international affairs. He also described relations between both countries as strong. Speaking today to Qatar news agency (QNA), the Somali President praised the role Qatar is playing in regional and international politics under the guidance of HH the Emir. He added that they wanted to make use of Qatar's expertise in reaching a national reconciliation, adding that the people and government of Somalia have complete faith in Qatar's ability to help them reach a national reconciliation. President Sheikh Mahmoud described the upcoming Arab Summit, in late March in Doha, as a key event. On the Syrian crisis, the President of Somalia called on Syrian President Bashar Al Assad to step down so that Syria can regain stability. He warned that the State in Syria could dissolve if the crisis rages on. On the latest developments in Somalia, he expressed his administration's willingness to hold talks with the armed Al Shabab movement, although he excluded personalities that were involved in crimes or condemned by the international community. Mahmoud opened his statement by saying that his visit to Qatar at the invitation of HH the Emir . The President of Somalia then revealed that discussing bilateral relations was the meeting's top priority. He noted that a joint Qatar-Somalia committee convened weeks ago in Doha at an invitation from the Qatari Foreign Ministry. The committee was asked to present its recommendations on means to support the education and health sectors in Somalia. Finding ways regarding rebuilding Somalia was one of the priorities of his visit to Qatar, the Somali President added.(QNA)