Opening words

1. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Excellencies, partners and friends of Somalia. It is my privilege to be with you and to represent the European Union at this important juncture for Somalia.
2. I thank President Mohamud for his leadership in convening us, our fellow co-hosts for their support, and the United Nations for hosting us here today.
3. The world is facing many challenges, as is the Horn of Africa. However, in Somalia, we are seeing real signs of progress.
4. In my brief intervention, I will reflect on how far we have come, Somalia’s new chapter, and the path ahead.

Collective achievements and EU investment over the last 16 years

5. The EU has been a longstanding partner of Somalia and together we have achieved a lot over the last 16 years. There have been many significant achievements, including the establishment of the Federal Government from transitional arrangements, establishment of Federal Member States, and several successive peaceful transfers of power. The people of Somalia are standing up to take responsibility for their own future.
6. This progress has not come without investment and commitment. Since 2009, the EU and its member states have invested over 4.3 billion euros in the country’s stability, including 2,5 billion euros for the security sector. This represents the largest EU investment in peace and security on the African continent.

Somalia’s New Chapter – taking leadership and responsibility

7. Today, Somalia is entering a new phase. With the accession into the East Africa Community, the lifting of the 30-year-old Arms Embargo, the bid for a seat in the UN Security Council, and Somalia’s positioning in supporting the international rules-based order – we see evidence of a new era in Somalia’s role on the global stage.
8. The imminent completion of the HIPC process, kickstarted and strongly supported by the EU and its Member States, is another milestone towards the country’s economic independence.
9. But perhaps most compelling, we’ve seen a renewed commitment and leadership from the Government to take the fight to Al-Shabaab. Mr President, your presence on the frontline in Dhusamareb has been a powerful example of this commitment. 
10. It is clear that Somalia is ready to step into its leadership role, to take security responsibility, and protect its territory and people. Today, we will hear directly from Somalia on its vision and plans for its future security. Leadership also comes with responsibility.

Looking forward – Joint Operational Roadmap

11. Mr President, we all want you to be successful in this security transition. However, we know that security is not achieved by military means alone.
12. For this reason, In May of this year, we launched our Joint Operational Roadmap, which defines our shared priorities going forward in the political, security, and socio-economic areas.
13. Politics is at the centre of this roadmap. Sustained constitutional progress is vital to lay the legal and institutional foundation for the security sector and to consolidate further state building.
14. Mr President, we welcome your commitment to this joint roadmap and appreciate that you take this responsibility seriously.
15. Somalia’s security is all of our collective security. This is especially true for the region. I encourage Somalia and its neighbours to continue to work together in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration for regional stability.
16. As the African Union forces withdraw, we cannot lose the gains made by our AU partners over the last 16 years – who often paid the highest cost.
17. We wholeheartedly welcome bilateral investments and encourage all partners to join the security efforts. Lets not forget the importance of multilateral and regional cooperation, which will be essential for our collective security engagement.

To conclude

18. Today’s conference represents a starting point. Now is the time to start concretising the plans for the post-2024 security architecture and we look forward to today’s discussion and engagement.
19. We understand that the strengthening of the Somali Security Forces is a top priority for you. The EU is looking at how we can support this, using the various instruments at our disposal. My colleagues will share more details as part of the discussions later today.
20. Lastly, we strongly encourage Somalia’s partners to support this critical transition and new chapter. Let us build on the progress made and support Somalia in securing its future, with Somalia in the lead. Thank you.