White House Nomination of United States Ambassador to Somalia

(MENAFNEditorial) WASHINGTON February 25 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Jen Psaki

Department Spokesperson

Washington DC

February 24 2015

President Obama today nominated Katherine S. Dhanani to serve as the first United States Ambassador to Somalia since 1991. This historic nomination signals the deepening relationship between the United States and Somalia. It also allows us to mark the progress of the Somali people toward emerging from decades of conflict. Somalia has considerable work ahead to complete its transition to a peaceful democratic and prosperous nation. The United States is committed to supporting Somalia on this journey as a steadfast partner. If confirmed the Ambassador will lead the U.S. Mission to Somalia currently based at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi Kenya. As security conditions permit we look forward to increasing our diplomatic presence in Somalia and eventually reopening the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu.