The president of Somalia’s Jubaland state, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, has met the US ambassador to Somalia, Richard H Riley, in Kismayo to discuss strengthening cooperation on security, development and political stability.
Riley arrived in the port city on Monday with a delegation of senior officials as part of a working visit to the region.
The talks, held at the statehouse in Kismayo, were also attended by Jubaland’s minister of interior and minister of planning and international cooperation.
According to officials, the discussions focused heavily on security collaboration, including US support to ongoing operations against al-Shabaab and efforts to stabilise newly recovered areas.
The US is one of Jubaland’s key partners in counterterrorism, training and logistical assistance.
The two sides also explored ways to expand American support for development projects, particularly in governance, infrastructure and community resilience.
Jubaland authorities said such programmes are critical to consolidating gains made in the region and improving service delivery for local populations.
The meeting further touched on the national political landscape, the state-building process and the broader challenges facing Somalia as the country works to strengthen federal institutions and prepare for future political transitions.
In a statement, President Ahmed Madobe welcomed the visit and praised what he called the “longstanding and constructive partnership” between Jubaland and the US.
Amb. Riley, for his part, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s regional and federal authorities in advancing peace, stability and inclusive development.
The ambassador’s visit comes amid intensified diplomatic engagement in Somalia by international partners seeking to maintain momentum on security reforms and economic recovery.
