Somalia welcomes first US ambassador in 25 years

Somalia has a new United States ambassador. Stephen M. Schwartz is the first top US diplomat to serve in the country since 1991.

The new ambassador presented his credentials to Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdulsalam Omer on Tuesday in the capital, Mogadishu.

The government in a press statement said, ‘‘The Government of Federal Republic of Somalia is honoured to welcome H.E. Ambassador Stephen M. Schwartz to his new post as the Ambassador of the United States to Somalia.

The government added that the appointment of Schwartz was evidence of the further strengthening of bilateral relations between Somalia and the US. ‘‘It is also the clearest sign that Somalia has turned the corner towards stability and progress,’‘ it added.

Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Hadliyeh receives a copy of Letter of Credence from newly appointed US Amb. to #Somalia Stephen M. Schwartz.

— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) August 9, 2016

With the historic bilateral relations between both nations, the latest diplomatic move is seen as one that would further deepen and enhance cooperation in all areas of interest. ‘‘The Government and people of Somalia consider the American Government and people a true friend and ally who have stood by Somalia during the past periods of difficulty,’‘ the government statement noted.

Somalia meanwhile maintains an embassy in Washington, D.C. Between July and December 2014, the diplomatic mission was led by Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, who served as Somalia’s first Ambassador to the United States since 1991.