A delegation from the C-34, the UN General Assembly’s Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, concluded a 2-day working visit to Somalia on Thursday in preparation for its upcoming substantive session in 2024.

Led by Richard Arbeiter, the ambassador and deputy permanent representative of Canada to the United Nations, the delegation was received by the Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira.

During their visit, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings and discussions aimed at gaining firsthand information about the latest developments and the crucial role played by UNSOS in providing logistics support to the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Somali Security Forces.

Ambassador Richard Arbeiter reiterated the committee’s commitment to comprehensively reviewing peacekeeping operations in Somalia.

He particularly emphasized the importance of UN-AU cooperation, a key aspect of the C-34’s deliberations on partnerships.

“C34 Visit to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS): wonderful for our diverse delegation to see firsthand the close collaboration between the AU and UN in support of the government and people of Somalia,” said Ambassador Richard Arbeiter.

The delegation commended Somalia’s achievements in promoting peace and stability, as well as improving diplomatic relations through the ministries of Defence, and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The C-34’s special delegation expressed gratitude to Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, ATMIS’ SRCC and Force Commander, as well as the British Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Catriona Laing, for their collaboration during the visit.

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, or C-34, consisting of 157 member states, is a subsidiary body of the General Assembly mandated to thoroughly examine all aspects of peacekeeping operations.