The first U.S. ambassador to Somalia in 25 years has arrived in Mogadishu and presented his credentials to the Somali government.
Ambassador Stephen Schwartz is tasked with helping Somali officials stabilize the country after decades of civil war and the al-Shabab insurgency.
“The appointment of an ambassador to Somalia is a sign of the strong bonds between the two countries…. I am pleased to have this opportunity to help the people of Somalia build a peaceful nation with a stable democratic government,” said Schwartz after meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Somalia, Abdisalam Omar Hadliye.
A statement from the Somali Foreign Ministry said Schwartz praised the progress Somalia has made over the last eight years and urged Somali leaders to deepen their commitment to improving the lives of the Somali people, including women and youth.