MOGADISHU — The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hasan Mohamed Ali, has engaged in discussions with Henk Jan Bakker, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Somalia, along with the Netherlands’ Envoy for the Horn of Africa, during a pivotal period as Somalia advances in governance and stabilization efforts .
Both parties aligned on contemporary political developments, security cooperation, and priority engagement areas. The Deputy Minister highlighted the significance of continuous international partnership to bolster security, expedite economic growth, and transform progress into tangible benefits for the Somali populace .
Discussions centered on broadening collaboration in high-impact sectors, particularly agriculture, water management, food security, and healthcare systems — domains where Dutch expertise provides considerable strategic advantage .
Dutch Support for Water and Sanitation in Puntland
The Netherlands has been actively engaged in supporting Somalia’s development priorities, particularly in the water and sanitation sector. UNICEF Somalia, in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands, visited Puntland to showcase progress under the Accelerated Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA) program and officially launch the WASH Sustainability Report and Response Plan.
The Netherlands’ Ambassador was welcomed by UNICEF officials and Puntland’s Ministry of Water leadership during a joint mission that featured community engagements and high-level discussions on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. As part of the mission, the delegation visited Burtinle town and surrounding internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to assess ongoing interventions and community needs.
The ASWA program, funded by the Dutch government, focuses on enhancing access to safe water and adequate sanitation in underserved areas, while also promoting sustainable WASH practices. The newly launched WASH Sustainability Report and Response Plan outlines key strategies to ensure long-term impact of WASH investments, including measures to strengthen local institutions, community ownership, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Commitment to Outcome-Oriented Collaboration
Both parties affirmed their mutual dedication to fostering practical, outcome-oriented collaboration that enhances Somalia’s development path and promotes regional stability. Puntland officials expressed appreciation for the support from UNICEF and the Netherlands during the ASWA mission, noting that the joint efforts have contributed to improved health outcomes and resilience in communities facing recurrent humanitarian crises.
The meeting between Deputy Minister Ali and Ambassador Bakker underscores the growing partnership between Somalia and the Netherlands, as both nations work to expand cooperation across agriculture, water management, food security, and healthcare systems — sectors critical to Somalia’s long-term development and stabilization.
UNICEF emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to build on the gains made through ASWA, particularly in reaching vulnerable populations affected by displacement, drought, and limited infrastructure.
