Somalia’s Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has welcomed Djibouti’s leadership role in efforts to stabilize Somalia and fighting against Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab.

Khaire says Djibouti peacekeepers’ efforts had given the people of Somalia the best opportunity for stability and prosperity after decades of civil war.

PM Khaire urged Djibouti President, Isma’il Omar Gelle to continue his brotherly support to Somalia, in a bid to eradicate Al Shabaab.

He told President Gelle that he had fully understood the position taken by Djibouti’s operation in Somalia.

He also lauded the decision taken by his neighboring country and to remain in Somalia under the African Union – AMISOM peacekeeping mission.

Somali PM updated the President on steps that his forces were taking to restore order and provide humanitarian assistance in areas liberated from the destructive work of Al-Shabaab.

On his part President Gelle has assured Somalia and its people that Djibouti government would support the efforts of Somalia, as Africa Union mission in efforts to bring about stability in Somalia.

Gelle says the people of Somalia had a historic opportunity to bring about peace and stability to their country and encouraged peacekeeping mission to take an even more pro-active role in the quest for peace and stability in Somalia.

The President has, however, pointed out that all Djibouti wanted was a peaceful and prosperous Somalia as hundreds of Djiboutian soldiers serving under African Union mission in Somalia, battling Al Shabaab.

With Reporting by Abdirisak Mohamud Tuuryare from Mogadishu, Somalia