U.S Secretary of State John Kerry has called for the people of Somalia to take the opportunity and work together towards the country’s peace and development.
In a Video statement released after concluding his one-day visit to Mogadishu, he said that he came to Somalia ‘’because your country is turning around.’’
With the U.S forces withdrawal in 1993 after the failure of their efforts to ‘’restore hope’’ following the collapse of the Central government, he underlined that his government will stand with the Somali people in achieving their goals.
‘’ More than 20 years ago the United States was forced to pull back from your country, Now we are returning in collaboration with the international community and bearing high hopes but also makes with ongoing concerns.
‘’Diplomats have been telling me Somalis are resilient and determined to reclaim your country and your future from the terrorists and militia groups attempting to steal it.’’
The U.S Secretary of State had lengthy closed door discussions with the Somalia’s federal government President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud along with the leaders of the regional administrations of Puntland, Jubbaland and South-west. He stressed that the leaders were committed to move the country forward and hold democratic elections.
‘’During my discussion with your leaders today, I focused on the next steps that must be taken on vision 2016 to advance Somalia’s development as a unified federal state,’’ he said, adding that the Somali people should have a voice on the country’s future.
Meanwhile, he revealed that the U.S government will start establishing its premises for a diplomatic mission in Somalia in a move to fully restore the diplomatic relations between both countries.
Mr Kerry said he hoped to see Somalia regain its status in the regional and international arena.
‘’I look forward to the time when we could say and all the world could see and measure that this country is fully united, combining regional strengths with national purpose able to welcome its refugees home and secure a new Somalia that occupies an honoured place on regional and global stage for many generations to come.’’
John Kerry became the first-ever U.S Secretary of State and also the first highest-ranking American official to visit Somalia since 1993.
