Somalia's president has reaffirmed the country's commitment to holding its first democratic elections in half a century.
In a speech to the UN General Assembly, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said despite the challenges of Covid-19, the nation was "working hard" towards holding the elections.
The historic elections were due to be held this year but are now expected to be before February 2021, when the president's term is due to end.
"Somalia is working with the UN to create a better future for Somalia and the world," Mr Mohamed said.
"Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we are still working hard to undertake inclusive national elections. We are firmly committed to instil a strong democracy."
Mr Mohamed said the country was also "successfully defeating the menace" of terrorism with its army and international partners to make the world a "safer place".
He has called on the UN to work with it to confront the coronavirus and said Somalia had suffered many job losses as a result of the pandemic.
"We must as a community of nations reaffirm our commitment to confronting Covid-19 by multilateral actions," Mr Mohamed said.
"Across the world economies have been affected by Covid-19. You can all appreciate this is a large task for a recovering post-conflict state like Somalia.
"Our government's economic policy has been to put our people first with tax relief. Now we are hoping the worst is behind us.
"We are starting to open our economy to ensure normal life can return for our people."
This year the UAE sent crucial medical supplies to Somalia to help support the countries’ healthcare workers in the fight against the pandemic.
