London: The UAE pledged Dh183 million ($50 million) for Somalia during the International Conference on Somalia hosted in London yesterday.

The London Somalia conference, opened by British Prime Minister David Cameron, brought together high-level representatives from 50 countries to help enhance stability in Somalia, increase aid and show international support for the new Somali President Hassan Shaikh Mahmoud, who was elected last year.

Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Cooperation, reaffirmed UAE’s support for the peace-keeping mission in Somalia, as well as its commitment to helping Somalia face challenges and build its state institutions, to ensure a brighter future and lay strong foundations for peace and stability.