Somalia Signs Technical Assistance Deal With UN Postal Body

Somalia said on Friday it has signed a 60,000 U.S. dollars technical assistance agreement with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) as the Horn of Africa nation seeks to start sending and receiving international mail services.

Abdi Ashur Hassan, minister for the post, telecom, and technology, said in a statement that the agreement will facilitate UPU missions to Somalia that will help determine priority needs, develop a policy framework for the service, organize training programs and provide basic solutions needed to carry out postal operations.

Bishar Hussein, UPU director-general, said that this project of 60,000 U.S. dollars is just “a drop in the ocean” considering the reconstruction needs of Somali Postal Service.

“But this is in line with the technical assistance provided to least developed countries,” said Hussein.

“As you are starting from zero, you are in a better position to establish a future post, using postal technology to provide latest postal services,” said Hussein, adding “UPU is ready to support you in that direction.”

“The technical assistance we received from UPU meets our priorities as we build a modern postal service,” said the minister, adding that the project is a positive gesture from UPU.

The latest move came after Somalia rejoined the world postal service governing body after more than two-decade-long sanctions were lifted.