Speaking ahead of the conference the Foreign Secretary said that the aim is to agree a series of practical measures to support Somalia and to help the country get on its feet:

The UK's primary objective in Somalia is to seek a lasting political solution that will bring peace and security to the country, and reduce threats to the UK. With engagement from attendees at the highest level, the conference will agree a series of practical measures to support Somalia.

Following his visit to the country, Foreign Secretary William Hague described Somalia as theworld's worst failed state.

Speaking ahead of the conference the Foreign Secretary said that the aim is to agree a series of practical measures to support Somalia and to help the country get on its feet:

"We are realistic - Somalia’s problems cannot be solved in a day, but its people deserve a better future, and our own security requires their country to become more stable."