President Mohamud Says Palestinian Statehood Key to Middle East Peace

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NEW YORK: Federal Republic of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reaffirmed the country’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood, urging more nations to recognize Palestine as an independent state.

Speaking at an international conference on Palestinian recognition in New York, President Mohamud said Somalia was among the first countries to recognize Palestine and has consistently backed efforts to establish a sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital.

“The Federal Government of Somalia has always stood with the people and government of Palestine,” he said, adding that recognition by more countries would strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East while safeguarding Palestinians’ legitimate rights.

Somalia, currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has used its seat this year to highlight the plight of Palestinians living under blockade and to call for urgent measures toward a two-state solution.