Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hamza Abdi on Tuesday received acting United Nations Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, to discuss strengthening collaboration between the UN and Somalia.

“During the meeting, the Prime Minister praised the UN’s backing of Somalia and emphasized the importance of joint efforts in humanitarian initiatives and advancing stability in regions liberated from Al-Shabaab”, Office of the Prime Minister said.

The office said that the Envoy appreciated the warm reception and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the Somali government in alignment with its national priorities.

The meeting between with Prime Minister comes two days after James Swan, arrived in Mogadishu to advance peace, security, development and state-building priorities. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced his designation of Mr. Swan on 14 May. Mr. Swan then held extensive meetings with UN Headquarters leadership prior to his arrival in Mogadishu.

Mr. Swan previously served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022, after a long career in the United States diplomatic service.