Arab League congratulates Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as new Somalian president

CAIRO, May 16 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League on Monday congratulated Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the new president of Somalia in the final vote by the parliament members.

In a statement, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit wished the new Somali president success in achieving peace, stability and prosperity for the African country.

Mohamud, who served as Somalian president between 2012 and 2017, was confirmed to have defeated incumbent President Mohamed Farmajo by 214 votes against 110 in a third-round runoff on Sunday.

"The Arab League will continue backing Somalia in promoting development and national reconciliation and rebuilding the country's institutions," Aboul-Gheit said in the statement. ■