Somalia summons UAE's ambassador to explain the controversial DP World deal

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Monday summoned the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s ambassador to Somalia, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Osman.

The summons, made on Monday was confirmed in a statement by the Ministry which said the Emirati ambassador had been asked to explain the controversial deal which his country owned company signed with Somaliland.

The Ministry said Abdulkadir Ahmed Kheyre, the state Minister for Foreign Affairs had discussed the ambassador over the issue of the deal and its possible consequences.

"During the meeting a number of issues took place, including the illegal agreement between the administration of Somaliland and the Dubai Global Ports (DP World) and the legal issues that might result in violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia," reads the statement.

The statement said the envoy affirmed UAE's commitment to respect Somalia's unity and sovereignty.

"For his part, UAE ambassador to Somalia stressed that his country was fully committed to protecting, respecting and supporting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, stating that there was a need for continued cooperation and consultation to broaden and deepen cooperation between the two countries," noted the statement.

The move comes barely two weeks after Somali Parliament issued resolution banning DP World from Somalia.

'DP World has outrightly infringed on the sovereignty, independence and unity of Somalia. Therefore the company is forbidden in Somalia," read the resolution.