Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening MP, meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, London, 4 February 2013.

Britain will help Somalia to establish a new democratic government and federal parliament, as well as providing aid to help fight the food crisis.

Development Secretary Justine Greening today pledged to support Somali parliamentarians as they establish their new government and federal parliament, following a meeting in London with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia.

In a new joint programme with Norway, the UK and Norwegian parliaments will host Somali parliamentarians as they receive advice and training from parliamentary and constitutional experts.

The programme will also help young Somali graduates take part in internships to the new House of the People, giving valuable experience and training to a new generation of public servants helping to establish peace and democracy in Somalia.

Speaking after the meeting, Development Secretary Justine Greening said:

"It's vital that we make the most of the close links between our two countries as Somalia rebuilds its democracy. After last September's elections, the most representative process in decades, Somalia now has a real chance to make progress towards stability and peace after 21 years of conflict.

"UK support will also provide food and support to tens of thousands of Somalis as they cope with a food crisis caused by drought and years of instability."

Britain also pledged to provide an urgent supply of nutritional food to help Somali families to escape the threat of hunger. Working with the World Food Programme, the UK will provide ready to use food enriched with vitamins and minerals to help 59,300 malnourished children and mothers.

For the full story, please see: www.dfid.gov.uk/News/Latest-news/2013/Somalia-UK-and-Norw...