His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today welcomed the new Japanese Ambassador to Somalia.
His Excellency Tatsushi Terada presented his credentials to the President in Villa Somalia, Mogadishu. Accompanied by Her Excellency Fawzia Yusuf Adam, Somalia’s Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Ambassador said Japan was engaging with Somalia for the long term and was determined to help the country build on the encouraging progress achieved in the government’s first year.
The President said: “Japan has already proved itself to be a committed friend to Somalia. Last May the government co-hosted a special conference in Yokohama which helped galvanise the international community to provide targeted assistance to help us rebuild the country. I thank Japan for its many contributions, particularly with regard to security and building up capacity in our civil service.”
“I thank you, Ambassador, for your visit today, which represents the latest evidence of our return to the community of nations, and I pay tribute to Japan’s generosity towards Somalia. As we stabilize and develop, I look forward to welcoming Japanese investment as a powerful driver of the economic growth we need to lift our citizens out of poverty.”
