Russia plans to assist Somalia in its fight against terrorism, Somalia’s Garowe news site reported.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Somalia’s Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire in a sideline meeting at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday.

Russia discussed the need to continue efforts to ensure the stability of Somalia’s federal government and bolster international efforts to establish peace in the country.

“The Russian side expressed support to the anti-terrorism efforts of Somalia’s federal authorities and the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia”, said the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Russia and Somalia seek to develop greater bilateral cooperation for economic, political and trade relations.

A civil war tore through Somalia in 2009 and is ongoing. The Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab group has been battling the Somali government in an effort to govern by a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Since 2013, Al-Shabaab pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda, attracting the United States to execute raids and airstrikes against the group.