Holmås visits Somalia

On 20 December, Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. Today he will meet Somali students in Oslo to share his impressions with them. 

“This autumn Somalia has taken important steps towards political stability and peace. There are great expectations of the new authorities, but they also face major challenges. It is important now to establish how Norway and the rest of the international community can support the forces for good so that the positive developments in the country continue,” said Mr Holmås. 

Mr Holmås visited Somalia on Thursday. In addition to meeting the President, he also met the Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari. He has close ties with Norway, particularly Trondheim, where lived for many years. 

Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås met Somalian president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the capital Mogadishu, Thursday 20 December. (Photo: Svein Bæra, MFA)

Mr Holmås also had talks with the UN Special Representative for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, and representatives of the African Union Mission in Somalia. 

“It will take time to build up a government apparatus in Somalia that is able to take care of the Somali people. The international community must provide support in a coordinated manner. The new authorities must take on an increasing share of the leadership in this cooperation. They want Norway to continue to play an active role,” said Mr Holmås. 

View and download pictures from the visit here for free use by the press. 

There are around 25 000 of Somali origin in Norway. Mr Holmås returns home from Somali on Friday morning, and will meet Somali students to share his impressions with them. Members of the press are welcome to attend this meeting. 

Time: Friday 21 December at 12:00
Place: Mr Holmås’s office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Press Duty Officer, international development, mobile phone: +47 913 95 000.