Sunday November 3, 2019
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The World Bank today opened its country in Somalia marking a major milestone in restoration of relations with Somalia as the country inches closer to debt relief.
World Bank Vice President Hafez Ghanem visited Mogadishu for the first time Sunday where he held talks with President Mohamed Farmaajo, Prime Minister Hassan Khaire and other senior government officials.
Ghanem said his visit to Somalia showed him ‘the efforts that the government and the people are making to bring peace and security back to their country. “The World Bank is proud to walk alongside Somalia on this reform journey, Ghanem said in a tweet.
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre thanked the World Bank for its support to the Somali people and government and made it clear that the government would continue efforts to reach the debt relief decision point by February.
The opening of a country office by the World Bank expresses the bank’s confidence in Somalia’s recovery process and injects confidence on the debt relief process which Somalia is keen to secure by next year.
International Finance Corporation (IFC) regional director for Africa, Ms Jumoke Jagun-Dokonmu was also in attendance.