Mogadishu,(SONNA): The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has officially pardoned Somalia’s outstanding postal debt, amounting to approximately 2 million US dollars. The debt forgiveness was announced following a pivotal meeting between the Somali Minister of Communications and Technology, MP Mohamed Adan Macalin Ali, and the UPU Director General, Mr. Masahiko Metoki, in Berne, Switzerland.
The debt, which included a membership contribution of 1 million dollars and accrued interest dating back to September 1982, was cleared as Somalia fulfilled the necessary requirements set by the UPU. This significant financial relief marks a new chapter for Somalia, granting it full membership status within the UPU and removing previous restrictions.
MP Mohamed Somali, during his visit to Geneva, outlined the Ministry’s ambitious plans to rejuvenate the nation’s postal services. The comprehensive strategy includes policy formulation, workforce training, procurement of essential materials, and the reconstruction of postal centers in major cities across Somalia.
The Minister expressed his gratitude towards the UPU for its consistent support over the years, particularly for facilitating postal services within Somalia amid challenging conditions. The UPU’s assistance has been instrumental in maintaining the flow of mail into the country, despite existing constraints on outbound services.
With the debt now absolved, Somalia is poised to embark on a transformative journey to modernize and expand its postal infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity and service delivery for its citizens.
