WASHINGTON, (KUNA) — US Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, at the Department of State Friday, and reaffirmed America’s commitment to the reconstruction of the war-torn African nation.

“The United States, obviously, has been engaged in helping Somalia fight back against tribal terror and the challenges to the cohesion of the state of Somalia,” said Kerry in a statement.

“And the President and his allies have really done an amazing job of fighting back and building a state structure. There’s work yet to be done in Puntland and Somaliland, and we encourage you to continue the work of reaching out, of reconciliation and rebuilding the democracy.” “We are committed to both – to the independent ability of the state of Somalia as well as the United Nations mission to help it in this transition,” he added.

Earlier this week at the New Deal conference in Brussels, the US pledged USD 69 million over the next three years for the reconstruction of Somalia. Mohamud expressed his gratitude for the assistance, and said he is looking forward to the day when Somalia can hold a democratic election.

“We’re working very hard together to establish the national institutions in all areas, particularly in security, where we are working very hard with the UNOSOM (United Nations Operation in Somalia) forces, and our national army is now taking shape and building up, of course, with the support of the United States Government that has always been with us,” said Mohamud in his meeting with Kerry.

“And this is a time we came here to share the ideas, the way forward we have, and particularly, the Vision 2016, where we want Somalia to go into the poll stations and make a voting for the first time in 40 years,” he added.
Mohamud also elaborated on his efforts toward reconciliation between different regions and tribes in the country, calling it “huge progress.

“I, myself, and the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House, the parliamentarians, key ministers have been traveling all over Somalia. Although the situation in traveling locally is very difficult, but even then, you have to sit with the people, listen them, share with them the plans that we are intending, and asking them the type of Somalia they want to see in the future, ” he remarked.

Mohamud is expected to meet with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon later on Friday.

Source: KUNA