Somalilandsun -The US Deputy Defense Secretary, on Tuesday (June 9) hosted Somalia Federal Government – SFG Prime Minister, Omar Ali Sharmarke and Defense Minister, General Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali Dini at a meeting in the Pentagon in Washington. Defense Department officials said the Somali Prime Minister and Defense Minister met with the Deputy Defense Secretary, Bob Work to discuss U.S.-Somali security assistance and counterterrorism operations. Mr. Work praised the success of Somali forces in degrading Al-Shabaab over the last two years. They discussed the importance of integrating regional militia forces into the Somali National Army, carefully but without delay, in order to take the fight to Al-Shabaab. They discussed the successes of the new Somali Danab Special Forces’ units which could serve as a model for the rest of the Somali army. Mr. Work underlined the US Defense Department’s strong commitment to supporting both AMISOM and the development of Somali security forces. A statement issued by the Defense Department said “the deputy secretary noted it is imperative that Somalia completes the state formation process in advance of holding elections next year, in line with the agreed timeline.” It added that “Progress on the political front is a necessary foundation for the development of Somali security forces.” Both sides said they looked forward to continue to work together the future.
Source : US Dept. of Defense
