(As delivered)

Mr. President, honourable members of the Cabinet, members of the press,

I am pleased to be back in Baidoa, South West State. I thank President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and his team for warmly welcoming me and my colleagues today.

I am accompanied today by Wafaa Saeed, who is the Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund; René Nijenhuis, Deputy Head of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and Felicia Mandy Owusu, Deputy Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Our presence together here in the South West State is a testimony of the steadfast, collective support of the UN system to the government and people of the South West State.

The President and I discussed a range of issues related to state-building, security and the humanitarian and development situation faced by Somalia and the South West State. I commend President Abdiaziz's commitment to advancing state-building as well as to fight Al-Shabaab in the South West State. The United Nations is committed to supporting the government's efforts to promote peace, stability, and development across Somalia.

The UN in Somalia is pleased with the effective partnership with the South West State in advancing police development and enhancing women’s participation in the security system through collaborative efforts in the Joint Police Programme.

The UN family and humanitarian partners are also working hand to hand with the South West State to address urgent humanitarian needs of populations affected by climate change and conflict.

In our meeting today, the President and I also discussed issues of national importance, including the constitutional review and plans for elections. We acknowledge that President Abdiaziz has played a constructive role in these processes.

Let me conclude by reiterating the UN’s commitment to support South West State in its state- and peace-building priorities and in its response to humanitarian needs and building development for its people.

I thank the President and his government  for their strong collaboration in our work together.

Thank you.