Thursday September 4, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on
Wednesday accepted the credentials of two newly appointed ambassadors during a
ceremony at the State House in Mogadishu.
The diplomats are Francesca Di Mauro, the new European Union
ambassador to Somalia, and Henk Jan Bakker, the new ambassador of the
Netherlands.
Mohamud congratulated both envoys on their postings and
pledged his government’s full cooperation as they begin their diplomatic
missions.
For their part, Di Mauro and Bakker thanked the president
for the warm reception and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties
with Somalia in peacebuilding, development and reconstruction.
The European Union said the ceremony marked the official
start of Di Mauro’s mandate, during which she will seek to advance the EU’s
longstanding partnership with Somalia. Brussels has long supported the country
in development, security, education, humanitarian aid and political engagement.
The Netherlands is also a key partner, contributing to
stabilization and development efforts in the Horn of Africa nation.