UAE among largest supporters of development in Somalia

President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday lauded the UAE for promoting and supporting development in his country, saying it has been one of the largest supporters of Somalia and its people over the course of the past two decades, in hard times and in various areas.

Ties between the UAE and Somalia are fraternal and historical, he said while on a tour to the UAE-funded Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Mogadishu, following a visit to the UAE Embassy.

While touring the hospital, where he was briefed by Emirati doctors about services, he noted that every day, some 300 patients from all segments of society receive free treatment at the facility.

The Somali president also visited the site of an expansion of the hospital, a UAE-funded project planned to be completed in 2017. It is part of the UAE's support for reconstruction and development across the Horn of African country.

He noted that his visit to the UAE Embassy was another sign of these unique relations.

President Sheikh Mohamud further noted that the government and people of Somalia are grateful for the UAE support.

Hamdan Rashid Al Shamsi, Adviser at the UAE Embassy, who accompanied the Somali president, stressed that the UAE will continue to provide aid and support to all regions of the country to bolster its peace and stability.