06 October 2012 – The EU Special Envoy to Somalia, Michele Cervone d'Urso, stated: "I congratulate the new Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon on his nomination by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and wish him every success.

The EU is ready to work with the Prime minister nominee and his new government which I trust will be inclusive and representative of Somalia's diversity. As I told the new Somali leadership last week, the EU will gear up its engagement with Somalia aiming at a true and balanced partnership with the new actors of change in the country. I look forward to the formation of the government and the presentation of its work programme in order to start working on the country's new priorities and urgent needs."