U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met with the new Somali Ambassador to the United States Ahmed Awad this week. Ambassador Awad formally assumed the position in September after former ambassador now Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Al Sharmarke left office.
Senator Klobuchar who is an advocate for Minnesota’s Somali community in Washington has welcomed new ambassador saying the diplomatic relation between US and Somalia with be strengthened by cultural and economic aspects.
“I am proud to represent the state that is home to the largest Somali community in the United States. This community represents a unique and noble heritage that has strengthened the cultural and economic vitality of our state,†Klobuchar said.
“It was an honor to meet with Ambassador Awad, and I look forward to working with him to address issues that are important to Somalis both in Somalia and the United States.â€
Senator Klobuchar worked with Representative Keith Ellison last year to pass the Money Remittances Improvement Act, which helps Somali families send money to their loved ones by simplifying the oversight of non-bank financial institutions that provide remittances around the world.