Somali Minister of Interior and National Security Abdikarim Hussein Guled discussed the United Kingdom's support for Somali development and security with British envoy to Somalia Matt Baugh in Mogadishu on Monday (February 18th), UN-funded Radio Bar-Kulan reported.

The British government has offered to strengthen and train Somali security agencies and help rebuild Somalia's infrastructure, Baugh said, adding that several development projects will be launched soon.

Guled said the Somali government has recently completed several development projects, including upgrading a 1.7-kilometre road in the Middle Shabelle region and repairing the Balad Bridge, both of which were funded by the United Kingdom.

"[The Balad Bridge] is already supporting local commerce by facilitating the transit of goods between Mogadishu and central and northern regions, as well as creating the necessary physical infrastructure for future development activities," Baugh said in a press release. "The UK Stabilisation Programme works with the Somali Government to help extend its reach and capacity, improve stability, and establish the conditions for longer-term recovery in southern Somalia."