His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today met with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, and Ambassador, Joost Reintjes, at Villa Somalia.
The Prime Minister thanked Minister Lilianne Ploumen for making her first visit to Somalia and for bringing with her leading Dutch businesses keen to see the improved security situation firsthand and eager to invest in Somalia.
“Not long ago the prospect of large international foreign businesses visiting Somalia would have been unthinkable. Foreign investment can be the engine of growth for the Somali economy and help lead our nation to stability” said the Prime Minister. “Today sends a very powerful message to the world that Somalia is back and we are open for business. Somalia is an attractive place to do business with plentiful opportunities available. We welcome investors in all sectors of our economy and look forward to engaging with them.”
The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also discussed implementation of the New Deal Compact signed last month in Brussels and the substantial support the Netherlands has pledged. “We thank the Netherlands for their continued support and assistance within the framework of the New Deal. The New Deal gives Somalia an unprecedented opportunity to re-build our nation. It is essential that through the New Deal Compact all support and assistance is bilateral with the Somali Federal Government to ensure that Somali priorities are met” said, the Prime Minister.
