Strengthening U.S.-Somali Relations

The Federal Government of Somalia has taken another step in joining the international community, appointing an ambassador to the United States and opening an embassy in Washington. Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke presented his credentials to President Obama in a ceremony at the White House on July 14. The first Somali ambassador to the U.S. in more than two decades, his appointment represents the progress that his nation and government have made in recent years.