Norway congratulates Somalia’s new Speaker of Parliament

“I congratulate Somalia on the inauguration of a new federal parliament and the well-conducted election of a new Speaker of Parliament. Somalia has a parliament for the first time in more than 20 years. The election of a Speaker of Parliament brings hope of stabilisation and cooperation,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.

“Somalia now needs to be able to develop and create improved living conditions for its population, in a situation free of war, famine and corruption. Political developments in recent weeks give hope that this may now be possible,” said Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås.

Mohamed Osman Jawari was elected Speaker of Parliament in Somalia on 28 August by an overwhelming majority. Mr Jawari has close links to Norway and particularly to Trondheim, where he lived for a number of years.

“This is an important step forward for Somalia, and we look forward to cooperating closely with the country’s new authorities. The fact that the Parliament is to be led by a Somali with strong ties to Norway bodes well for cooperation between our two countries,” Mr Holmås said.  

“The inauguration of the Parliament and election of the Speaker give grounds for optimism. We expect the planned presidential election to be held quickly and to be carried out in a fair and open manner,” said Mr Støre.