New York, United States – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, underscoring Somalia’s expanding diplomatic reach and strategic dialogue with the United States.
President Mohamud met separately with Ms. Allison Hooker, Head of Political Affairs at the U.S. State Department, Mr. Massad Boulos, Advisor on African Affairs to U.S. President Donald Trump, and Mr. Vincent Spera, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.
The discussions centered on advancing Somalia’s security transition, strengthening bilateral ties, and unlocking new avenues for U.S. investment and engagement in the Horn of Africa. According to officials, the meetings reflected Washington’s bipartisan interest in Somalia’s stability and progress, highlighting both current administration channels and links to U.S. political advisors with influence on African policy.
Somali diplomats described the conversations as “constructive and forward-looking,” with emphasis placed on Somalia’s ongoing reforms, its role in regional security, and the country’s readiness to partner with international allies to create jobs and attract investment.
President Mohamud’s engagements come at a critical juncture as Somalia prepares to take on greater responsibility for its national security following the transition from ATMIS to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The talks also reinforced Somalia’s position as an active player in multilateral diplomacy at UNGA80, where global leaders are debating peace, development, and human rights under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More.”
By meeting senior U.S. officials across political divides, President Mohamud signaled Somalia’s commitment to broad-based partnerships that ensure long-term support for its democratic governance, counter-terrorism efforts, and economic recovery.