Mogadishu — Somalia's Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon attended a public rally in Mogadishu on Monday, held in support of the U.S. decision to officially recognize the Somali Federal Government, Garowe Online reports.

Prime Minister Shirdon joined Somali officials and hundreds of people at a public rally held near Villa Somalia presidential compound, in Mogadishu.

"I thank everyone for attending this peaceful gathering to support the U.S. Government's decision recognize the Somali Federal Government for the first time in 22 years," said Prime Minister Shirdon, adding: "The U.S. Government has stood by Somalia and its people through difficult times and we view the U.S. as an important ally and friend of Somalia."

Prime Minister Shirdon told the public rally that Somalia has emerged from the transitional period, underlining that "Somalia has established a new constitution, a new parliament and elected government leaders, and Somalia is moving forward."

Other speakers at the public rally included Somali Interior Minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled and Mogadishu Mayor Mohamed Nur Tarzan, with both officials expressing support for the U.S. decision to recognize Somalia's new government.