Wednesday June 26, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and the new US Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, discussed strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting in Mogadishu on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister's office stated that the discussions emphasized enhancing cooperation in politics, security, and the economy, focusing on Somalia's National Transformation Plan (NTP) for good governance, economic growth, and social development.
Prime Minister Barre reiterated Somalia's unwavering commitment to upholding its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He expressed firm opposition to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the leader of the breakaway region of Somaliland. He underscored that the MOU severely threatens collective stability in the region.
The agreement, which grants Ethiopia sea access and allows for the establishment of a military base in Somaliland, was seen by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty.
Ambassador Riley congratulated Somalia on its election to the UN Security Council for 2025-2026 and assured continued US support in security, aid, and infrastructure development. He also expressed interest from US companies in investing in Somalia.
The newly appointed US Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, presented his credentials to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Mogadishu's airport on Friday.