Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre held key meetings with international leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
On Wednesday, Barre met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee. The conversation focused on strengthening Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts and managing the transition as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) phases out. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regional security and explored opportunities for cooperation within the UN Security Council. Phee told Barre that Somalia’s continued efforts to fight terrorism remain a priority for the U.S.-Somali relationship.
Phee’s meeting with Barre came just a day after she met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie, who attempted to influence the debate over Somalia’s post-ATMIS security.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Barre also met with Annette Weber, the European Union’s Special Representative for the Horn of Africa. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the EU in development, security, and political reform.
World leaders have convened in New York during the week of 23 September for the UNGA’s annual high-level session, tackling global crises, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine.
