The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The Secretary-General welcomed the political progress Somalia has witnessed in recent months, in particular in the area of state formation. The Secretary-General and the President agreed on the importance of political unity and inclusivity in this critical phase of Somalia’s state-building process.

The Secretary-General underlined the importance of regional cooperation and joint planning in efforts to combat Al-Shabaab, which increasingly poses a transnational threat.

The centrality of human rights to Somalia’s political and stabilization agenda, especially protection of women and children, was stressed by the Secretary-General. He urged the Federal Government of Somalia to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women. The Secretary-General was updated on progress made in the field of human rights, as well as in the area of public financial management and accountability.

The Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Somalia, and ensured the President of the United Nations’ continued commitment to provide support.