Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has held talks with the leaders of Serbia, Senegal, Zimbabwe and Pakistan in New York, focusing on bilateral ties, security, development and international cooperation.
NEW YORK, United States (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has begun a series of high-level bilateral meetings in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on diplomatic ties, security and development cooperation.
Hassan, who is leading Somalia's delegation to the annual gathering of world leaders, met separately with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to Somalia's federal government, the meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas including peace, security, development and shared interests.
The Somali president also briefed the leaders on what his government described as progress made by Somalia in state-building, democratisation, security, economic development and the delivery of social services.
The meetings come as Somalia seeks to deepen international engagement at a time when the country is working to consolidate its security gains, strengthen state institutions and attract greater international support for its development priorities.
Hassan also discussed potential areas for expanded cooperation with the countries whose leaders he met, with Somalia seeking to build on diplomatic and economic partnerships established or strengthened in recent years.
The Somali delegation is expected to hold further bilateral meetings during the General Assembly week, while Hassan is due to use the UN platform to outline his government's priorities and its assessment of Somalia's progress in state-building and security.
His agenda is also expected to include Somalia's efforts to advance democratisation, economic development and improvements in public services, as well as calls for stronger international cooperation on peace and security.
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The federal government has said it wants Somalia's participation in the General Assembly to highlight the country's humanitarian needs and encourage increased international assistance and investment.
Somalia continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, while its authorities are seeking additional resources to support security operations, economic recovery and the development of state institutions.
The government also sees the UN gathering as an opportunity to strengthen international backing for Somalia's security, humanitarian and economic priorities.
The meetings in New York take place amid broader diplomatic efforts by Somalia to expand its international partnerships as it works to address security challenges and advance its political and institutional development.
Hassan is expected to address the General Assembly during the high-level debate, where he will present Somalia's priorities and discuss the country's role in regional and international efforts to promote peace and cooperation.
The 81st session has brought together leaders and senior officials from across the world for discussions on global security, development, humanitarian challenges and international cooperation.
Somalia's delegation is expected to continue its bilateral engagements throughout the UN gathering, with officials seeking political, economic and development partnerships with international counterparts.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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