US envoy to Somalia presents letter of credence to Foreign Affairs Minister

The newly appointed US ambassador to Somalia Stephen M. Schwartz Tuesday presented his letter of credence to Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abdisalam Omar Hadliye in Mogadishu paving way for official presentation of credentials to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Ambassador Schwartz, who becomes the first US ambassador to Somalia in more than 20 years noted his appointment was an indicator of the strong ties between the two countries pledging to support Somalia build a peaceful nation and stable democratic government.

The envoy said during his tenure he will ‘partner with the people and government of Somalia to build representative, transparent, and effective Somali institutions that increasingly provide security, democratic governance and the rule of law, and economic growth.’

He also praised progress in Somalia over the last eight years since end of the Transitional Federal Government and urged Somali leaders to deepen their commitment in improving the lives of Somali people including women and children.

Schwartz was sworn in June 27 this year following Senate approval. Prior to his nomination by President Obama Schwartz  served in various diplomatic capacities in Kenya, Burundi, and Ethiopia, New Zealand, Zambia among other countries.