By Hassan Adan

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday held talks with U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, as the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties amid evolving security and diplomatic challenges.

According to Villa Somalia, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation in counterterrorism, regional security, trade, investment and institutional development, while underscoring the strategic partnership between Somalia and the United States.

President Hassan Sheikh thanked the United States government and the American people for their continued support to Somalia, saying the partnership has been instrumental in the country’s efforts to restore stability, rebuild state institutions and advance economic recovery.

He reiterated Somalia’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and creating a secure environment capable of attracting investment and accelerating development.

Congressman LaHood praised Somalia’s progress in rebuilding government institutions, stabilising liberated areas and sustaining military operations against the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency.

He reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Somalia in support of peace, security and long-term development.
The meeting comes at a critical time for Somalia’s security sector.

The United States has remained one of Somalia’s most important international partners, providing military training, intelligence support, humanitarian assistance and development funding while conducting airstrikes in support of Somali forces against Al-Shabaab.

The partnership has played a central role in efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security institutions and expand government authority in areas previously controlled by the militant group.

The talks also come weeks after Washington informed the United Nations that it would no longer support U.N. funding for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) beyond the end of this year, citing concerns over the mission’s effectiveness and Somalia’s readiness to assume full responsibility for its own security.

The move has raised concerns among diplomats and security analysts over the future of the African Union mission, which remains a key component of Somalia’s security architecture.