WASHINGTON
Hassan Sheikh Mahamud, President of Somali, made a series of official contacts in Washington on Thursday.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney released a written statement in regards to the talks between Mahamud and Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough where US Presdent Barack Obama was also present.
It is stated that Obama congratulated Mahamud for winning the elections last year and establishing a permanent and representative government in Somali for the first time in ten years.
Obama also called out to end the 20-year old civil war by working with regional partners according to the written statement.
Mahamud then held talks with Turkish Ambassador in Washington Namik Tan.
Mahamud thanked Turkish government and people and cited the words of a Somalian citizen who said that Turkey helped Somali so much in one year, it was more than all the support given in 20 years.
Tan said, "You are our brothers and sisters. We will do our outmost to support you" in respose to Mahamud.
Tan also stated that they had good relations with Somalians and hosted them at the Turkish Embassy for various organizations.
Mahamud also made a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum.
Stating that Turkish people were in Somali at a time when even international NGOs were not present, Mahamud said, "Turkey has embassies in Somali. They work, teach, build and live there. They put out concrete projects. They deserve all praise" in his speech.
He also added that Turks came and actualized everything they said they would and did not put any restriction unlike the western countries.
He also mentioned about the hospital projects which are a 200-bed capacity new hospital, a 100-bed children's hospital, and a 100-bed hospital for disabled people.
