Mogadishu, Somalia – On May 4th, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, met with the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, to discuss the defense relationship between the two nations and ways to strengthen their joint efforts in combating the militant groups Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, the Somali government expressed its gratitude to the United States for its ongoing support in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

The U.S. Embassy in Somalia also noted that Ambassador Riley acknowledged the progress made in the security relationship between Somalia and the United States, stating that the meeting was aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination in the area of security.

“This meeting marks an important opportunity to reinforce our collaboration and united front in the fight against Al-Shabaab,” said Ambassador Riley.

Somalia and the United States are jointly engaged in combating the insurgent groups operating within Somalia, particularly Al-Shabaab and ISIS. In addition, the U.S. government supports Somalia with military training, equipment supplies, and aerial operations.