The Political, Security and Reconstruction Conference for Somalia, held in Istanbul, intended to discuss problems and restore stability in Somalia, which came high on agenda recently for a chaotic environment of piracy and civil war.
Davutodlu: Somalia not alone
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutodlu delivered an inaugural speech and said "We should not leave Somalia alone." The Turkish minister stressed that roots of the problem must be reached and then reminded that significant success has been achieved since the interim government came to power.
Erdodan calls for international efforts
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdodan delivered a speech and said that the war between brothers must come to an end.
Then, Prime Minister Erdodan hosted a lunch in honor of participants. The Premier said that Somali conference, which has covered all the topics from security to political stability, will be a new start for Somalia.
"The people of Somalia drastically need this help. Considering these points, a strong message must be given to the international community for political cooperation, reconstruction and development," said Erdodan.
UN Chief Ban: best chance in years
UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon said that Turkey has once more shown her willingness to solve most challenging international problems and called on the world to exert utmost effort for Somalia.
Ban termed the Transitional Federal Government as Somalia's best chance in years to tackle years long war and humanitarian disaster.
It is a great opportunity that politicians, business circles and non-governmental organizations have come together at the conference, said Ban and noted the major problem piracy of could be tackled by providing employment in the country.
"The only way to restore stability is to support this government both in its reconciliation efforts and, where necessary, its fight against extremism. Helping Somalia to recover is clearly a significant challenge. But it is not insurmountable. And we must succeed," Ban said.
Somali President highlights mounting poverty
Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed said that poverty mounts days by day in his country and expressed grave concern over piracy which is deemed an easy way to earn money. The Somali leader said they need international support to overcome the problem and stressed that the issue concerns the entire region.
Istanbul Declaration regarding Somalia
After the conference concluded, participants agreed on Istanbul Declaration for release. The document calls on Somalia's neighbors to give support for a solution and calls on the international community to assume more responsibility.