“I express sincere appreciation for the success of the presidential election in Somalia, which is bound to open a new chapter in the Country’s history,” said Angelino Alfano, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while commenting the election of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The election held on 8 February “represented an important step towards re-establishing full-scale democracy in the Country”, said the Minister.
“In congratulating him for his election, I wish President Mohamed Farmajo the best possible success in tackling the taxing challenges awaiting him such as building the State’s institutions, combating terrorism and the humanitarian crisis of displaced persons,” Mr Alfano continued. He added: “I confide that under your leadership, Somalia may take a road towards peace, security, reconciliation and wellbeing for its people, in the achievement of which Italy is ready to do its share.”
The Italian Foreign Minister also defined the decision of outgoing president Hassan Sheik Mohamoud to accept his rival’s victory as “a gesture of strong democratic meaning”.
