Moscow (SD) – Former Somali Prime Minister and Presidential candidate Hassan Ali Kheyre has met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow today.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Twitter account, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Presidential candidate Hassan Ali Kheyre discussed strengthening cooperation, trade and economic ties between Somalia and Russia.

Presidential candidate Hassan Ali Kheyre wrote on his Facebook page: “I had a luncheon with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today, we discussed strengthening relations and cooperation between Somalia and Russia, as well as the general situation in the Horn of Africa region. We discussed the socio-economic and political changes taking place in the region.”

The meeting took place in Moscow, Russia, on a previously an unannounced visit by former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, believed to be seeking support for his presidential campaign.

Hassan Ali Kheyre has previously met with Lavrov during his time as prime minister.

Somalia’s election campaign, which has already has Qatar, Ethiopia, Kenya, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and others involved, is likely to be joined by Russia and China for the first time.