President Mohamud Holds Talks With Four Leaders at UN General Assembly

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NEW YORK: Federal Republic of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held bilateral talks with the leaders of Serbia, Senegal, Zimbabwe and Pakistan in New York as Somalia seeks to expand diplomatic, economic and security cooperation during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.

President Mohamud met Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 81st General Assembly.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including peace and security, development and economic engagement.

The Somali president also briefed the leaders on developments in Somalia, including efforts to strengthen national security institutions, advance state-building and expand the country’s economic and political development.

The meetings form part of Somalia’s wider diplomatic engagement in New York, where President Mohamud is expected to address the General Assembly and outline his government’s priorities, including economic reforms, the fight against international terrorism and the transition towards direct elections.

Somalia’s engagement comes as it completes its current term as an elected member of the UN Security Council, where it has played a role in discussions on conflicts, peacekeeping and international security.

The New York meetings also give Mogadishu an opportunity to strengthen ties beyond its traditional partners as it seeks international support for security, development and institution-building.

President Mohamud’s engagements are taking place alongside the General Assembly’s high-level debate, which has brought world leaders together to discuss global conflicts, development, climate change and reform of the international system.