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Somali president meets with newly UN special envoy

Storyline:National News

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accompanied by Somali premier Omar Abdirashid yesterday met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia Michael Keating who was appointed on 23 November 2015 for the post.

The sides discussed on wide range issues including the current political, security situation and development in the country.

In a welcoming ceremony, Keating commended Somali leaders and pledged that he would work on the vision of Somalis.

“I definitely see my job as helping Somalis fulfill their own vision but also to help maintain international coherence and support in the times ahead,” said the SRSG in his brief remarks.

“I am really looking forward to meeting you and your colleagues in Government, but also civil society in Somalia, as well as getting to know UN colleagues, working with all of you and supporting your work, as well as our colleagues in the military, as well as the broader diplomatic community.” He added.

SRSG for Somalia Michael arrived in Mogadishu yesterday to formally take up his duties.

SRSG Keating has extensive experience in supporting political and peace building transitions and leading humanitarian and recovery programmes in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa.

Appointed Associate Director of the London-based independent policy institute Chatham House in 2012, he concurrently served as Senior Adviser to the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Syria. He was Deputy SRSG and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan from 2010 until 2012.

He also served as Executive Director of the Africa Progress Panel, a policy group chaired by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.