Britain's minister for international development says more British citizens are training alongside terrorists in Somalia.

Minister Andrew Mitchell said Thursday there are probably more British passport-holders at terrorist training camps in Somalia than in any other country in the world.

The minister said his government plans to deepen its involvement in Somalia because the Horn of Africa country poses a major security threat to Britain.

An international conference in London next year will focus on instability in Somalia.

Leaders will focus on issues including the threat posed by the Somali-based militant group al-Shabab, piracy and the great humanitarian needs caused by drought and famine.

Last month, British Prime Minister David Cameron said it is time to stand up to Somali pirates who have terrorized vessels in the region, including the waters off the Somali coast, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Somali pirates have made hundreds of millions of dollars hijacking ships for ransom in recent years.