US welcomes new ambassador from Somalia

US president Barack Obama received credentials from Somalia’s ambassador to United states of America Omar Abdirashid, former prime minister of transitional federal government of Somalia.

The state department welcomed the new ambassador after more than two decades since civil war erupted in Somalia.

“We are pleased to announce the arrival of Ambassador Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, the first Somali ambassador to the United States in over twenty years,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

His arrival marks “the latest progress in advancing US-Somali relations,” she added.

In January 2013 US recognized the federal government of Somalia led by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud .

Recently US defense officials disclosed the secret presence US military in Somalia since 2007, despite earlier public statements claiming it had no presence there until last October.

Goobjoog News