Brussels — Khadija Osoble Ali, recently appointed as Somalia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the European Union, officially presented her credentials to Charles Michel, President of the European Council, at a formal ceremony in Brussels on Wednesday.
The event marked a pivotal moment in Somalia-EU relations, with Ambassador Ali emphasizing the critical role of collaboration between the two entities. She highlighted the potential for joint efforts to address numerous regional challenges including security, economic development, and political stability in the Horn of Africa.
Ali's appointment comes at a time when Somalia is navigating through complex political, security, and humanitarian issues. Her role is seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the EU, which has been a significant partner in Somalia's peace-building and state-building processes. The EU has provided substantial aid for humanitarian assistance, security sector reform, and economic development in Somalia.
In her address, Ambassador Ali expressed deep gratitude to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for entrusting her with such an important diplomatic role. She also thanked her colleagues in the Somali diplomatic corps for their support, which she said was instrumental in her preparation for this position.
Ali outlined her commitment to fostering deeper engagement between Somalia and the EU, focusing on key areas such as trade, security, migration, and climate change. She stressed the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation to achieve shared goals, particularly in combating terrorism, enhancing maritime security, and supporting sustainable development.
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Her remarks also touched on the need for continued EU support in Somalia's ongoing struggle against groups like Al-Shabaab, and in promoting democratic governance and human rights. She noted that the EU's assistance in capacity building for Somali institutions has been crucial in helping the country move towards stability and self-sufficiency.
The ceremony was attended by various EU officials, diplomats from other African nations, and representatives from international organizations based in Brussels, signaling the broad interest in Somalia's diplomatic endeavors and the significance of this new chapter in Somalia-EU relations.
Ambassador Ali's tenure is expected to focus on not only immediate security and humanitarian issues but also on long-term strategic partnerships that could lead to increased investment and trade between Somalia and EU member states. This could include initiatives aimed at job creation, education, and infrastructure development, which are seen as vital for Somalia's recovery and growth.
This appointment and the subsequent credential presentation are viewed as a step towards a more robust and strategic partnership, with both sides looking forward to constructive dialogues and concrete outcomes that benefit both Somalia and the broader European community.
