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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday formally received eight newly appointed ambassadors during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, marking another step in the country’s ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen its diplomatic partnerships. The ambassadors presented their credentials to the president, officially beginning their assignments in Somalia. The envoys include Mohamed Salah Khashta of Egypt, Whitjaksono Adjie of Indonesia, Hans Henrik Lundqvist of Sweden, Ennis Force Fernandes of Cuba, Joshua Brenber Tabah of Canada, Reyna Rica Hikka of Finland, Saif Katherine Mo of Norway, and Jaime Alejandro Moreno Boa of Spain. Each ambassador represents a nation that maintains long-standing or emerging ties with Somalia, and their arrival reflects a broader diplomatic strategy being pursued by the Somali government.
During the ceremony, President Hassan Sheikh welcomed the diplomats and expressed his optimism about the future of Somalia’s partnerships with their countries. He noted that Somalia values meaningful and cooperative international relationships, especially at a time when the nation is working toward stability, economic growth, and greater regional influence. The president emphasized that their presence in Mogadishu is both symbolic and practical, demonstrating the confidence the international community continues to place in Somalia’s progress. He encouraged each ambassador to work closely with Somali institutions, engage directly with government ministries, and support areas of mutual interest, particularly in peacebuilding, investment, governance, and regional development.
The president highlighted that Somalia is rebuilding its foreign relations after years of conflict and institutional challenges, and he pointed out that diplomatic engagement plays a major role in this recovery. By welcoming the new ambassadors, he said Somalia is reaffirming its commitment to becoming a more active, reliable, and responsible player in global affairs. He added that the country is eager to strengthen cooperation in economic reforms, security operations, and development programs that benefit both the Somali people and its international partners.
For their part, the ambassadors conveyed warm greetings from the leaders of their respective nations and expressed their readiness to begin their missions in Somalia. Many of them acknowledged the challenges Somalia has faced but also praised the progress it continues to make. They expressed appreciation for the warm reception at the Presidential Palace and reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to supporting Somalia’s path toward peace, stability, and prosperity. The ambassadors also noted that they look forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration in trade, education, health, humanitarian support, cultural exchange, and other areas that can contribute to long-term growth.
Somalia’s diplomatic outreach has been steadily expanding in recent years, driven by the government’s ambition to reposition the country as a trusted regional actor. This includes building constructive relationships with countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The credential ceremony serves as a reminder of how far the nation has come in re-establishing itself within the international community after decades of instability. With more countries showing interest in deepening cooperation, Somalia hopes to attract increased investment, broaden its security partnerships, and create more opportunities for economic recovery and institutional reform.
The arrival of the eight ambassadors is part of a wider foreign policy agenda shaped by Somalia’s desire to strengthen global connections, rebuild its state institutions, and reinforce its role in addressing shared regional and international challenges. As these diplomats begin their missions, the government hopes that their contributions will support ongoing efforts to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and foster long-term development across the country. For many Somalis, such diplomatic engagements symbolize hope for a more connected, stable, and prosperous future.