Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to the U.S. government’s official recognition of Somalia’s government after more than two decades:

"Today’s recognition of the Government of Somalia, following a long, troubled history of division and turmoil, marks an important milestone in U.S.-Somali relations. The United States has a keen interest in seeing a stable government take root in the Horn of Africa. 

“Long a source of instability in the Horn and for East Africa, Somalia may well have an opportunity to turn the page. 

"Formal U.S. recognition brings great responsibility for this young government.” 

Note:  The formal recognition was announced today by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton following her meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.  On Tuesday, Chairman Royce met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the U.S. Capitol along with a bipartisan group of Members. 

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