[As delivered]
Good afternoon. I'm pleased to be here today in Dhusamareb to meet with President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qoor Qoor.’ I thank him once again for the friendly engagement on a range of issues and the warm hospitality that we always enjoy here in Dhusamareb.
I must also note that, on arrival, I was very impressed to see active construction works that are underway at the airfield to add an additional tarmacked runway, and I have no doubt that this will help further open up and support development in Dhusamareb and, more broadly, in Galmudug.
In our meeting today, the President and I discussed topics of both national and local importance.
On the national side, with Somalia requiring decisive action on a range of security and political matters, I emphasised the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue among the country’s political and community leaders.
I echoed the statement earlier this month from Somalia's international partners – in that statement, we welcomed the initiative announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his Eid-al-Fitr message calling for a platform that brings together the full range of Somali voices to advance jointly the country's state-building priorities and respond effectively to the threat of Al-Shabaab.
On more local matters here in Galmudug, the President and I highlighted the continued severe humanitarian situation, which has left more than 600,000 people in Galmudug in need of assistance.
In view of recent reductions in donor funding, it is necessary for Somali leaders, for donors, and for the United Nations, to prioritise now the most vulnerable people to receive aid. The United Nations remains firmly committed to helping populations in need, in keeping with our humanitarian mandate.
President Abdi Karie and I also spoke about plans to hold direct elections for local councils. We encourage that this process be inclusive, consultative and based on broad consensus to ensure it reflects the aspirations of the Somali people.
We also discussed ongoing efforts in reconciliation among communities in Galmudug, and I welcome the President's continued engagement in resolving inter-clan tensions.
With respect to security, we, of course, highlighted the important efforts to sustain momentum in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
We noted continued work to strengthen cooperation with local defence forces in an effort to keep the fight going and advancing against Al-Shabaab. And to that end, I pay tribute to those troops and local defence forces here in Galmudug who continue the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Finally, allow me to take this opportunity to reaffirm the UN's support for Galmudug and its state-building priorities, and to thank the President and his administration for their strong collaboration with the United Nations.
Thank you.
