MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — In a step to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, held a productive official meeting with Mr. Chris Pycroft, Development Director at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The meeting took place during a formal dinner held yesterday evening, Monday, at the British Embassy in Mogadishu.

Officials from the agency, including the Commissioner, Head of Program Development Dr. Ismail Jamale, and Information Management Specialist Mr. Mohamed Mukhtar, attended the meeting alongside a representative from the British Embassy in Mogadishu.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in humanitarian response and building national capacity for disaster resilience, as well as developing sustainable projects that meet the needs of local communities affected by drought, conflict, and internal displacement.

The SoDMA Commissioner, Mr. Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, expressed his deep appreciation for the firm and continuous support that the UK provides to the Somali people. He emphasized that this vital partnership is not just about humanitarian aid, but is a genuine investment in building Somalia’s resilience and fostering sustainable development. He looked forward to expanding this cooperation to include new areas that ensure the protection of the most vulnerable and provide long-term solutions to the country’s recurring challenges.

For his part, Mr. Chris Pycroft reiterated the UK government’s commitment to working alongside the SoDMA and other government bodies, affirming that Somalia is a strategic partner for the UK. He explained that the challenges facing Somalia require a coordinated and comprehensive response, stressing that integrated cooperation with local and international partners is the cornerstone for providing an effective humanitarian response that leads to long-term solutions and builds a more stable future for the Somali people.

The UK is one of Somalia’s key international partners in the humanitarian field, having provided extensive support over recent years in responding to droughts and famines. It also funds programs that promote stability and sustainable development and plays a pivotal role in supporting national disaster preparedness and building the rapid response capabilities of government institutions.