Pretoria — President Jacob Zuma has extended "hearty congratulations" to the new Somali ministers, the government and the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following the recent endorsement by the Somali Parliament of that country's new Cabinet.

"This marks a new dawn for a state embarking on nation building, reconciliation, economic recovery and capacitating of various government institutions, which will in turn translate itself into practical democratic gains on the ground," said Zuma.

He said South Africa commended Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shiridon, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and the Somali Federal Parliament in their decision to assemble a Cabinet.

"The ministerial appointments give hope to the people of Somalia, as well as the international community, that Somalia is indeed on the road to recovery.

"The Cabinet will also play a critical role in executing the vision developed by President Mohamoud that will serve as a foundation upon which Somalis will rebuild their country together with essential international partners, including South Africa," said Zuma.

The South African government remained committed to strengthening its relations with the government of Somalia and developing strong collaboration and interaction between the two countries and peoples at various levels, especially at the ministerial level now that the new Cabinet has been confirmed.