On Thursday, the President of Somalia Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held a high-level meeting in Mogadishu with the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderseon. The two sides discussed the security situation in Somalia and the region, and ways to further expedite the ongoing fight against Al-Shabab.
The current Chief of Defense Forces of the Somali National Army, lieutenant General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud and other senior officials of the Somali Federal Government were also in attendance at the meeting.
The discussions focused on strengthening the security and defense cooperation between Somalia and the United States, ways to provide support to counterterrorism operations, and ongoing efforts which are aimed at enhancing the peace and the stability in Somalia, an official statement from Somalia’s Presidency said.
Incumbent Somali President, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed deep appreciation to the United States for the constant support it provides to Somalia, stating that the cooperation between the two countries play a crucial role in upgrading the quality of Somalia’s National Army and ways to further upgrade its operational capabilities of the government in maintaining the security in the country.
On his side, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, confirmed that the U.S. will continue the support it provides to Somalia, specifically in the areas of the fight against Al-Shabab, developing military capabilities and strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The Meeting comes at a time when Somalia is intensifying its military operations against Al-Shabab while the Somali Federal Government is maintaining close cooperation with the international allies in a bid to strengthen the security and support the rebuilding of strong robust security agencies.
