Mogadishu 10 November 2015 – H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye), the Minister of Information, Culture & Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia welcomes the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2245 for the establishment of the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS). Minister Maareeye said "The establishment of UNSOS is a testimony that the UN Security Council takes leadership role on strenghning UN operations and for emproving the peace and stalibity of Somalia. The Federal Government of Somalia welcomes the UN Security Council Resolution 2245 for the establishment of the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS) that replaced the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA).”

The Minister stressed the importance of coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorists in Somalia. Minister Maareye said "There is a huge progress in Somalia and the establishment of UNSOS will strengthen the coordination, cooperation and the support to the Somali Security Forces and AMISOM in the fight against terrorists.”

Minister Maareye concluded "Somalia is grateful for the support of the UN and international partners, however, emphasized the importance of providing timely resources and all enablers for the security forces in order to eliminate the threats posed by Al-Shabaab. We also hope that UNSOS will support the information war against the terrorists that the Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism of the Federal Government is leading in order to win the hearts and minds of the people. Somalis are an oral society and media can play a pivotal role to the fight against terrorists.”

ENDS