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. The Somali President called on militant groups to disarm themselves and assured them that they will not be put on trial for their deeds in the past. On piracy, he said that the phenomenon was a result of the lack of a strong state in Somalia. The Somali government negotiated three weeks ago the release of six people that were held hostage by pirates, he added. He noted that youth who were raised during the war had to turn to piracy, revealing that the Somali government was now looking to attract those young men back to Somalia and find them job opportunities. He maintained that pirates who are internationally condemned will not be helped by the Somali government. He said looks forward to participating in the Arab Summit next month. The Somali President praised HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on the role he plays in supporting the Arab cause. He praised the State of Qatar in particular for the role they play in supporting Somalia. He said HH the Emir was keen on helping the Somali people through aid and enhancing the education and health sectors.(END)