Somalia: President Farmajo returned back to Mogadishu following visit to Riyadh

MOGADISHU, Somalia- The President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has on Saturday returned back to the Somali capital of Mogadishu, after his official visit to Saudi Arabia, Garowe Online reports.

The President and his delegation were received at Aden Adde International Airport by outgoing Ministers, Federal MPs and senior officials from Villa Somalia.

Following his arrival, President Farmajo said he held talks with Saudi King Salman in Riyadh on Thursday and agreed to support the Somali government in the areas of rebuilding and humanitarian assistance for drought-affected communities.

Additionally, Somali President has highlighted key issues discussed in the meetings including governance, public finance management, strengthening Somalia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and the fight against the extremist group Al Shabaab.

The two-day visit to Saudi Arabia was Farmajo’s first foreign trip abroad since his election by Federal lawmakers in Mogadishu in February 8.

After his election, Farmajo has appealed to the international aid agencies and Somalia’s partners to provide necessary humanitarian assistance to Somali people affected by the worsening drought conditions, making it a top priority for his administration to avert the situation. 

On the other hand, Famajo has appointed a Somali-born Norwegian Hassan Ali Kheyre as the new Prime Minister of Federal government on the same day of his visit to Saudi Arabia. The new PM-designate is expected to seek confidence vote from the Federal Parliament of Somalia in the coming days to form his cabinet.

GAROWEONLINE