Antony Blinken, Hassan Sheikh speak over phone

GOOBJOOG NEWS|WASHINGTON DC: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and thanked the US government for its “continued” support to Somalia, according to a statement by The Villa Somalia.

President Hassan Sheikh further reiterated his government’s commitment to further strengthening ties with the USA. 

A statement by the United States Spokesperson Ned Price, said the Secretary of State congratulated the Somali President on his election and discussed Washington’s shared interests in supporting Somalia on its path to democracy and stability.

The two further discussed the importance of political reconciliation, developing security forces that can assume responsibility from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and economic reforms necessary to complete Somalia’s path to debt relief. 

Noting President Biden’s recent decision to return U.S. forces to Somalia on a persistent basis, Blinken conveyed the United States’ enduring support for efforts by Somalia and the African Union to combat the threat posed by terrorist groups.

Wednesday’s talks with the US Secretary of State marked Mohamud’s first high-profile telephone conversation since he took office Monday following his election on May 15, becoming the country’s first former president re-elected to office.