Somali Federal Members of Parliament approved Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed as the country’s Prime Minister, following a vote in the Parliament on Saturday.
The speaker of the parliament announced that 239 of the lawmakers voted in favor of the appointment, and shortly after being approved the new Prime Minister was sworn in the presence of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“As the new Prime Minister tasked with forming a government, I promise to create an administration that will respect the constitution and the principle of good governance,” President Ahmed said addressing the lawmakers.
“My government will work with parliament and other government institutions. I will appoint a larger and more effective cabinet soon. My government will improve security, health, education and reconstruction,” he added.
The endorsement of Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as Prime Minister has been welcomed by Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn.
Hailemariam has congratulated Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed on his appointment as Prime Minister of Somalia.
“On behalf of the people and the government of the federal democratic republic of Ethiopia and that of my own, I would like to extend my warmest congratulation to you on your appointment as the Prime Minister of the federal republic of Somalia,” Hailemariam said in a letter to Abdiwali.
“It is my conviction that, under your leadership the existing friendly relationship between our two sisterly countries will be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of our brotherly peoples,” he added.
He wished the new Prime Minister of Somalia to lead the country to a peace and prosperity.
Similarly, the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay congratulated the Prime Minister of Somalia on his appointment, describing the process as a key step heading into 2014.
The UN envoy also expressed conviction that the incoming Prime Minister will consult widely in forming his new cabinet, ‘and aim to establish a broadly inclusive government capable of delivering rule of law, good governance and public services’.
He also urged Parliament, the Government and the Presidency to continue working together constructively in full respect of the Provisional Federal Constitution.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs