1. Today a landmark Conference on A New Deal for Somalia was held in Brussels,co-hosted by the Somali Federal Government and the European Union (EU), with participation from Somali regions, Members of Parliament and civil society, as well as international friends and partners.
2. We met at a crucial time for the Somali people as they embark on the path of reconciliation and reconstruction after years of conflict. We welcomed the political and security progress that has already been made, and commended the leadership demonstrated by the Federal Government working with other stakeholders in seeking to consolidate it, including at previous international conferences in London and Yokohama. We emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum towards positive change and reconciliation in the country, reaffirming our support for
Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
3. To support that progress, we today endorsed a New Deal Compact and committed to support its implementation. This Compact is a testament to the new partnership, based on mutual accountability and risk management that is being initiated between the Federal Government, Parliament, regions and people of Somalia, and the international community. It includes Special Arrangements for Somaliland. The aim is to create a better future for all Somali people, by means of a dialogue and process that promotes political reconciliation and establishes peace, security, justice and sustainable development throughout the country. The best platform to achieve our goal is the New Deal framework developed by the g7+ group and endorsed in Busan in 2011, specifically aimed at supporting fragile countries in transitioning towards stability. It ensures a clear focus on Somalia’s most vital political, social and economic priorities: building inclusive politics, security, justice, the country’s economic foundations, revenue collection and the provision of services. We commended the engagement of all those who participated in the New Deal High Level Task Force to prepare the Compact, which involved consultation with the people and regions of Somalia.
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