United Kingdom (UK) Communities Minister Shahid Malik has met with Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
The President is visiting the UK as a Guest of the Government. He met with Mr Malik at the Houses of Parliament where the Minister underlined the UK’s support for Somalia.
In a wide ranging discussion the Minister highlighted the shared benefits for both countries in advancing political and economic stability and law and order in Somalia.
The Somali population in the UK is estimated at over 80,000, and this diaspora community has strong ties with Somalia. The President emphasized the importance of the UK Somali community playing a full and active role in contributing to British society. They recognized that the community here also plays an important role as a link between the two countries.
Shahid Malik and the President discussed the positive contribution that Muslim communities make to the UK’s political, social and cultural life and Mr Malik outlined the importance Government attaches to its relationship with Muslim communities.
The Department for Communities supports community-led projects working to increase participation in civic life and to strengthen leadership within the UK Somali community.
Shahid Malik said:
“The meeting was an opportunity to highlight the positive engagement the Government has with a young and growing community here in the UK.
“We discussed some of the challenges facing Somalia. In an increasingly global community people’s lives are interlinked, and challenges in Somalia have an impact here. Cooperation between our two countries will result in shared benefits. This meeting was a step towards that.”
Source: Communities and Local Government
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