MOGADISHU (SD) -UK Minister of State for Defense, James Stephen Heappey, concluded a visit to Somalia and Kenya, where he met with senior officials and defense commanders to discuss enhancing defense cooperation and military capabilities.

UK Minister of State for Defense met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and stability.

Additionally, he visited British troops providing training to Somali security forces and discussed with the UN Assistant Secretary-General for the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on the progress of the UK-supported ATMIS mission in Somalia.

The UK government closely collaborates with the Federal Government of Somalia to counter the threats posed by Al-Shabaab, and the Minister emphasized the UK’s ongoing support in tackling the Al-Shabaab threat.

During his visit to Kenya, the UK Defense Minister held discussions with the Kenyan Defense Minister, Adan Barre Duale, focusing on strengthening defense cooperation, enhancing regional peace, and implementing the UK-Kenya defense cooperation agreement.