The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has hailed the efforts by the Somali government in improving the economy. Mr. Guterres said, he is impressed with tangible development made in the economic sector, adding that his office is looking forward to more progress in the future. “There is progress made by the government particular in the economic sector,” said the UN Secretary General. “We hope the progress will ease the debt relief process and I encouraged, the IMF and World Bank to work with the government closely,” Mr. Guterres told VOA during an interview.
The UN Secretary General also said, his office would fully support the reforms undertaken by the federal government, while committed to back the African Union peacekeeping troops in its fight against the armed group Al-Shabaab. He confirmed to appoint a new envoy for Somalia as soon as possible saying, he is looking forward to a new relationship with Mogadishu.
Somali government expelled UN envoy, Mr. Nicholas Haysom last month, after he was accused of interfering in the domestic affairs of the federal government. “The UN and Somali government had constructive discussions,my Under-Secretary-General for political affairs was recently in the country, I will appoint a new envoy soon.” UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres is expected to attend 32nd session of African Union summit in Addis Ababa from 10th-11th of February.
