MOGADISHU, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Commission special envoy Ambassador Abdoulaye Diop is visiting Somalia to evaluate the work of the AU mission and boost peacekeeping efforts.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said Diop, who arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday, will spend two days in the country evaluating the work of AMISOM with a view of scaling up support.

"The AU Chairperson sent me as his special envoy. I am here to express solidarity with the government and people of Somalia," he said during a meeting with the head of AMISOM Francisco Madeira on Wednesday evening.

The AU mission said in a statement after the meeting that Diop who also serves as Chief of Staff to the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, will also will hold talks with the Somali government officials.

Diop met AMISOM staff from the civilian, military, and police components on the mission's programs and activities and saluted entire AMISOM leadership for the exemplary contributions to peace and security in Somalia.

"I am pleased to have this opportunity, my first visit to Somalia and interaction with all the components of AMISOM," said the AU special envoy.

He lauded the government for the tremendous progress made in the country, and pledged continued support of the pan African body.

"The AU appreciates the progress made in Somalia and as a union, we will do our best to support the efforts of the government," he added.

Diop also paid tribute to the African Union troops and the Somali security forces that have died in the pursuit of peace and stability in Somalia.

"They paid the highest price for peace to prevail in a sensitive and strategic region of Africa," Diop said after laying a wreath at the monument in honor of the fallen troops. Enditem

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