​Somali President meets Saudi King in his first foreign visit

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia- The newly inaugurated Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has arrived in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on his first official trip abroad since his election on February 8, Garowe Online reports.

The President accompanied by outgoing Foreign affairs Minister Abdisalan Hadliye and first lady, got a warm welcome in Riyadh from the king of Saudi Arabia Salman Bin Abdulaziz and other high-ranking officials.

Sources revealed to GO that President Farmajo and the King Salman of Saudi Arabia have discussed a range of issues most importantly the bilateral relations between the two nations.

During the meeting, President Farmajo has thanked King Salman for his cordial welcome in Riyadh and the firm commitment to support Somalia in its effort to rebuild the nation, restoring peace and stability. 

The new President of Somalia is expected to pay similar visit to other Gulf states after assuming the office last week and being inaugurated as 9th President of Somalia on last Wednesday. .

Before departing from Mogadishu on Thursday, President Farmajo has appointed a regional director to UK-based Soma Oil firm, Hassan Ali Kheyre as the new Prime Minister of the Federal government. The new PM who is novice to the Somali politics has also worked for Norwegian refugee council charity (NRC) as a director in East Africa and Yemen between 2006 to 2014.

However, Kheyre will have to receive majority confidence votes from Somalia's Federal Parliament before nominating his new cabinet in the coming days. 

GAROWEONLINE