Somalia leaders, Kaidanow discuss counter-terrorism efforts

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 4, 2015(Garowe Online)-In a meeting with Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali on Thursday, the US state Department’s Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Tina Kaidanow hailed the country’s efforts in tackling terrorism, Garowe Online reports.

The American delegation led by Kaidanow held the closed-door meeting with Somalia leaders at the seaside and heavily fortified airport, Adan Adde.

According to a statement from the office of the president, the discussions centred on the latest political developments, security and the country’s economic recovery.

“I am very delighted with the US support for Somalia, and I do encourage continuity for Somalia to stand on its feet again,” said Mohamud.”We made a progress in political and security fronts, we want to forge closer partnership with the US and other donor countries”.

President Mohamud stressed the need for vocational training centers in step towards dwindling unemployment rate, mostly affecting youth, economic recovery and tight security.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Sharmarke briefed the US delegation on state formation process and reintegration of militias into the army.

The State Department’s Coordinator for Counterterrorism on her side indicated that the US is satisfied with the progress being made in the past months, and pledged continued support.

The two sides also raised possible spillover of Yemen conflict into Somalia and security cooperation in the meeting.

The visit to war-torn Mogadishu marks the first by Tina Kaidanow, former US ambassador to Kosovo. 

Over 22,000-strong African Union peacekeepers prop-up Somali government forces in central and southern Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE