Mogadishu, Somalia – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Sunday welcomed the newly appointed British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King, during an official meeting in the capital, Mogadishu. The courtesy call marked a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic partnership between Somalia and the United Kingdom.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including security, politics, counter-terrorism, and democratic governance. Prime Minister Barre reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to fostering close collaboration with the UK as a longstanding ally and development partner.
Ambassador King expressed the UK’s continued support for Somalia’s nation-building agenda, highlighting British assistance in upcoming electoral processes and the implementation of development and stabilization projects. The talks also addressed the critical importance of joint efforts in combating terrorism, particularly against the al-Shabaab insurgency.
Prime Minister Barre underscored the government’s determination to accelerate reforms, promote inclusive governance, and boost socio-economic recovery—efforts which he said are greatly enhanced by UK-backed initiatives across various sectors.
The meeting concluded with both sides pledging to elevate Somalia–UK relations to new heights through sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests.