DUBAI // The UAE has pledged Dh183 million in aid for Somalia.
In a speech before the Somalia Conference 2013 held in London, Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Development and International Co-operation, emphasized the country's strong support for the African Union's ongoing peacekeeping mission in the country, reported Wam, the state news agency.
She praised the progress made by Somalia's elected government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to improve security in partnership with the international community.
A high-level UAE delegation had recently visited Somalia to discuss cooperation to develop the country's infrastructure.
The UAE and UK also recently agreed to Dh11.6 million in funding for projects targeting sexual violence in Somalia.
Over the last four years, the UAE has contributed Dh220 million to Somalia to fund a variety of progammes to provide food, health services, shelters, drinking water supplies as well as provide support to the population, reduce conflict, improve education and train Somali judges.
nhanif@thenational.ae
