Washington DC, 17 September 2022 (TDI): The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antoney Blinken met with the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
President Hassan Sheikh also met with US Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland. During the meeting, the officials discussed shared stabilization, good governance, and humanitarian goals.
Great to see @HassanSMohamud with @UnderSecStateP in Washington to discuss shared stabilization, good governance, and humanitarian goals. The United States is committed to helping the people of Somalia counter terrorism, prevent famine, advance democracy, and save lives. pic.twitter.com/a1ymC36pQ5
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 17, 2022
During his visit to Washington, The President of Somalia also met with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd James Austin. The meeting was focused on strengthening the capacity of Somalia’s military.
US-Somalia Relations
The two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1960. The United States Foreign policy objectives in Somalia are to foster political and economic stability and prevent international terrorism from using it as a safe haven.
It also aims to alleviate the humanitarian crises created by years of violence, drought, flooding, and weak governance.
The United States is dedicated to assisting the government of Somalia in strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing stability and security, and providing services to the Somali people.
Also read: USAID to provide Humanitarian Assistance to Somalia
The United States has also backed the efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali national forces in expanding security throughout the country.
Since 2006, the United States has given Somalia more than $3 billion in humanitarian aid to help with the country’s refugee, hunger, and drought issues.
In order to help the economic, political, and social sectors achieve greater stability, establish a formal economy, gain access to essential services, and achieve representation through, legitimate governance, the United States has added an additional $253 million in development assistance since 2011.
While continuing to assist AMISOM initiatives, the United States collaborates closely with other donor partners and international organizations to promote social services.
The US also aims to enhance the growth of an efficient and representative security sector, including the military, police, and justice sector.
