Sunday July 5, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Saturday with St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed at the presidential palace in Mogadishu during her official visit to Somalia.
The meeting focused on the role of the Somali diaspora in national development and ways to strengthen relations between Somalia and the United States.
The president encouraged the mayor to continue supporting efforts to strengthen ties between Somalia and the United States, including in investment, social services and national reconstruction.
Mohamed thanked the president for the welcome and said she remains committed to strengthening cooperation and supporting development efforts in Somalia.
According to a statement from the presidency, Mohamed also expressed surprise at the security and development changes she had seen in Mogadishu.
Mohamed, the first Somali, Muslim and Black woman elected mayor of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, said her victory represents progress and reflects the growing role of Somalis in leadership, community service and political representation around the world.
Her visit comes as Somalia continues to highlight the role of its diaspora in politics, development and public service abroad.
