MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali and United States (US) have discussed bilateral relations days after president Joe Biden threatened to impose visa restrictions on Somali leaders over election delays.

In a brief statement, Somali ministry said the country’s foreign minister, Abdisaid Muse Ali and Horn of Africa envoy David Satterfield discussed bilateral and regional issues, and the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments.

“Good to speak with @AsstSecStateAF Molly Phee & David Satterfield, Special Envoy for the HoA. Discussed bilateral relations including on security & economic cooperation, and exchanged views regional developments,”  the .inister said in a twitter post.

The development comes barely four days after  US threatened Somalia with sanctions if it fails to meet a recently agreed timetable for holding elections. 

“Somalia’s elections are more than a year behind schedule. The US is prepared to take measures against spoilers if the new National Consultative Council timeline is not met,” the United States Bureau of African Affairs said on Twitter.

The US warning follow an electoral deal inked by Soamli prime Minister Mohamed Somali and Regional states following a six-day meeting of the National Consultative Council.