EU appoints new ambassador to Somalia as Mogadishu pledges closer cooperation

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s deputy foreign minister on Friday received the credentials of the European Union’s newly appointed ambassador to Somalia, Laszlo Mathe, as Mogadishu pledged to deepen cooperation with the bloc.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Mohamed Ali Nadaara received a copy of Mathe’s credentials, along with the letter recalling his predecessor, the foreign ministry said.

Nadaara thanked the European Union for its continued support for the Somali government and for its backing of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

He said the foreign ministry was ready to work with Mathe to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Somalia and the European Union.

The deputy minister identified peace and security, governance, trade and development as key areas for closer cooperation.

The EU is one of Somalia’s major international partners, providing support in areas including security, development, humanitarian assistance and institution-building.

Mathe’s appointment comes as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its state institutions and security capabilities while working with international partners on political and economic development.