Somalia's New President Meets Top EU Official

The European Union Special Envoy for Horn of Africa Annette Weber landed Wednesday in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and met the nation's new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Weber is the highest-ranking EU official to visit Somalia since the collapse of the former central government in 1991.

Strengthening EU-Somalia relations was discussed in the meeting, according to a statement by the Somali presidency.

Mohamud stressed that the country's financial system will be reorganized and developed to meet the requirements surrounding a debt relief program.

Weber underscored the EU's commitment to supporting the new administration.

"H.E. President @HassanSMohamud welcomed @EUSR_Weber to @TheVillaSomalia today to discuss how to further strengthen the productive relationship between the EU and #Somalia," the presidency said on Twitter. "The EU is an unwavering supporter of the Somali government's ambition to achieve sustainable development."

Weber's came after the International Monetary Fund agreed to extend the duration of a crucial aid package to Somalia after the country's election was peacefully completed.

Mohamud officially resumed office Monday after winning the presidency May 15.

The election was delayed for more than a year and created political instability but all that is forgotten after Somalia witnessed a peaceful transfer of power. -