​Somalia: Tillerson, Farmajo held phone talks on fight against terrorism

MOGADISHU, Somalia- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held a telephone conversation with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and discussed on the fight against terrorism in the region, Garowe Online reports.

According to a statement from the Somali presidency, Farmajo and Tillerson discussed wide range of issues including security, cooperation on eradicating threats of terror, and Somalia's development goals.

Tillerson confirmed improving relations between Somalia and the U.S., reaffirming Washington’s commitment to fully support Somalia in security sector, and the efforts to recover from the conflict.

For his part, Somali President said his Federal government is committed to focus on national security, and end the existence of al-Shabaab in the country, in an attempt to prevent the extremism.

“Our top priority is to ensure the security and embark on the fight against al-Shabaab, with renewed urgency aimed at eradicating the terrorism,” President Farmajo was quoted as saying in the statement.

The United States has been ally and a friend of Somalia, and has recently aided country’s Special Forces carry out attacks against al-Shabaab, that led to take out the militants out of several hideouts.

The UN-backed Federal Government led by President Farmajo is trying to rebuild strong National Army, capable of taking over the security responsibility from the AU Forces (AMISOM), in the coming to years.

GAROWEONLINE