Queen's birthday celebration 2022 in Mogadishu, Somalia: Kate Foster's speech
British Ambassador to Somalia, Kate Foster gave a speech to celebrate The Queen’s 96th birthday
Galab wanagasaan. I’m delighted to welcome you all here to the British Embassy to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday and Platinum Jubilee. It is wonderful to see so many of you here with us today.
And to our Somalia hosts waxan ku farasanahay inaa nagala soo keb-gashaan haaf-ladaa maanta.
This is by far the largest event we have been able to host since the beginning of COVID-19, our first Queen’s Birthday Party celebration for three years, and most significantly it marks the recognition of the Queen’s 70th year of rule and her Platinum Jubilee.
For all of us here at the British Embassy and across the UK’s diplomatic service, the Queen holds a special place of affection for us. She is the UK’s foremost diplomat, affirming old relationships and building new connections – her extraordinary reign has seen her travel widely, undertaking over 260 official overseas visits.
Her dedication to public service is an example to us all and it is with great pride that I represent her here in Somalia.
This event also arrives at an important time for Somalia and a moment of hope and optimism.
The Queen has sent a personal message to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election, and she said:
I extend my congratulations to you on becoming President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. I look forward to the warm friendship and strong partnership between our two countries continuing during your Presidency. I send my good wishes to you and to the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The UK-Somalia relationship is a longstanding and significant one; the UK is home to the largest Somali diaspora community in Europe. I know that many Somalis who now call the UK home, or one of their homes, have been part of the celebrations across the UK over the past days.
Before I hand over to Her Excellency Speaker Sadiya to say I few words, I want to end by drawing on the always wise words from The Queen. This comes from a speech she made at COP26 last year and which perfectly describes this moment in Somalia:
“none of us underestimates the challenges ahead: but history has shown that when people come together in common cause, there is always room for hope”.