Qatar supports Somalia with projects worth $200m

[Deeq A.]

The Qatar Development Fund (QDF) signed an agreement on Tuesday with the Somali Ministry of Planning to implement various development projects in Somalia at a cost of $200 million.

QDF Director Khalifa Bin Jassem Al-Kuwari told a joint press conference in Mogadishu that the projects include the rehabilitation of government buildings and the construction of two roads linking the capital with the northern and southern regions. Education will also get a boost.

Al-Kuwari explained that there will be a programme to empower young people and create jobs through professional and technical training initiatives in the capital and across Somalia’s states. He stressed that Qatar’s support package is a demonstration of its commitment to the Somali people and government. This, he hopes, will contribute to the achievement of Somalia’s goals and development plans.

The Qatari delegation, headed by Al-Kuwari, arrived in Somalia on Tuesday morning and held meetings with Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre and members of his government.

In response, Somali Planning Minister Jamal Mohammed Hassan pointed out that some projects have already been implemented, while others will begin soon. He expressed his confidence that the package of projects implemented by the State of Qatar in Somalia will contribute to economic recovery and bring great benefits to the Somali people.

Middle East Monitor