The United States National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan, hosted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for a meeting at the White House today to strengthen the United States’ strong alliance with Somalia.
Mr. Sullivan, who was accompanied by Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, applauded Somalia’s efforts to forge a national consensus and combat the al-Shabaab terrorist threat.
President Hassan Sheikh praised the US for its continuous military and civilian cooperation in building a stronger, more stable, and peaceful Somalia.
Mr. Sullivan and President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the necessity of political reconciliation in Somalia, namely the increased collaboration between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States to strengthen governance, law enforcement, service delivery, and security for Somalis.
They voiced worry about the terrible Horn of Africa drought, which is particularly affecting Somalis, and underlined the critical need for further humanitarian relief. This fiscal year, the United States has provided more than $706 million in drought relief to Somalia, accounting for more than half of all humanitarian assistance to the country.
Mr. Sullivan and President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the United States’ and Somalia’s longstanding relationship and collaboration, and reiterated commitment to enhancing Somalia’s capacity to battle al-Shabaab and build a future that fits the needs of the Somali people.
The Somali president’s national security advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, did not attend the meeting, for unknown reasons.
