Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The president of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, returned to the country on Friday after attending the 23rd East African Community Heads of State Ordinary Summit, during which Somalia was admitted as the 8th member of the regional bloc.

The president congratulated the Somali people on this new alliance, emphasizing that it would create numerous opportunities for both Somalia and other countries.

He stated that Somalia’s entry into the EAC will promote regional economic growth, trade partnerships, infrastructural development, peace and security, intergovernmental relations, and maritime access.

He also urged the Somali people to be prepared for engagement with a community of 300 million people from the countries of the East African Community, which now includes eight countries following Somalia’s accession.

“Let the Somali people be prepared to engage with a community of 300 million individuals. This market spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea; otherwise, we stand to miss out on the benefits,” President Hassan said.

He further stressed that Somalia would now be part of other important markets, concluding by encouraging the Somali people to compete with their counterparts in the region.

He added, “Our membership in the regional bloc will give us opportunities to expand our market, considering our natural resources, including the maritime economy, as well as giving other countries the opportunity to benefit from our resources.”

Somalia has officially become the 8th member of the East African Community, joining seven other countries including Kenya, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan.