Somalia PM meets with Saudi King, Crown Prince in Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted Somali PM, Hassan Ali Khaire, who is on his first maiden trip to the Oil rich country as premier, in Riyadh on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement, the Office of the Prime minister said the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral relationship which has been at a "low point" since the Gulf crisis started in June 2017.

They also discussed the latest regional developments.

PM Khaire has thanked the Crown Prince for the great welcome and the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to stand with the people and the Somali government.

The Crown Prince praised Somalia's progress towards good governance, politics, economy, and security and pledged that Saudi Arabia would continue to support the conflict-recovering Horn of Africa nation.

On Wednesday, Somali PM met Saudi King, Salman bin Abdulaziz at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh and talked about on ways to mend the strained bilateral relations, continue the cooperation on security, economy, and political fields.

After talks with King Salman and his son, the Crown Prince, the premier has concluded his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday and he is expected to arrive back to Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

The former country director of British firm Soma Oil and Gas and political novice who was appointed as the country's 19th PM by President Farmajo in February 2017 faces challenges including security, a faltering economy, and militant extremism.

GAROWE ONLINE