Foreign Minister: Azerbaijan strongly condemns acts of terrorism committed by Al-Shabaab militants

"Azerbaijan reiterates it`s full solidarity with Somalia focused on peace and state-building process as well as the stabilization of the country, we convey our full support for the Federal Government of Somalia. We strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and violent extremism perpetrated by the remnant of the Al-Shabaab militants called on the militants to heed reason and abandon violence by joining the peacebuilding and reconciliation process," Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov said speaking at the Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Contact Group on Somalia.

Report informs that, according to the Minister, as a fragile state, Somalia remains in dire need of massive help in all areas, notably, capacity building, state and institution building, employment creation, poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, national reconciliation, countering violent extremism and terrorism which still poses a grave danger to the country and the region. "For Somalia to achieve a future of security, governance and governing institution have to remain focused and united and avoid unnecessary distractions. We commend the progress made towards achieving reconciliation among Somalis, stability, security, economic growth and prosperity, and equitable representation for all women, men and the youth in Somalia since the election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed."

"I would like to express our support to the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to overcome difficulties, to achieve reconciliation and to build a secure, stable, united, democratic and prosperous nation.

"I would also like to commend the efforts of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its Member States in contributing to achieving peace and national reconciliation in Somalia and mobilizing assistance for the urgent needs of the peoples affected by the humanitarian crisis in this country," the Minister said.