(04-09-23) MOGADISHU — The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Abshir Omar Jama, officially welcomed Ms. Karin Johansson, the newly-appointed European Union Ambassador to Somalia, in his office in Mogadishu on Monday. Following the presentation of her credentials, Mr. Jama expressed his optimism for the future of EU-Somalia relations in a tweet.
Mr. Jama’s tweet read, “I received copies of credentials from Ms. Karin Johansson, the new Ambassador of the EU in Somalia. I wish Amb. Johansson all the best in expanding our strategic partnership in national security, economic recovery, institutional building & humanitarian resilience.”
Ms. Johansson succeeds Ambassador Tiina Intelmann, who concluded her two-year term in August. Ms. Intelmann parted with heartfelt words, stating, “Somalia remains in my heart. Macasalaama.”
Appointed in April of this year, Ms. Johansson has been serving as the Deputy Head of the European External Action Service’s (EEAS) Horn of Africa, East Africa Division. She has previously functioned as a Policy Officer for Somalia within the same division.
Ms. Johansson is set to present her official credentials to President Hassan Sheikh, who is presently in Mahaas, Hiiraan region. The President is leading the initial phase of a military offensive to liberate the regions of Hirshabelle and Galmudug from Al-Shabaab control.
The new ambassador’s appointment arrives at a critical juncture for Somalia, a nation aiming to bolster its national security, spur economic recovery, and fortify its institutions. The strengthened partnership between the European Union and Somalia will be instrumental in tackling these formidable challenges.
Halqabsi News
