United Nations, May 17 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Somalia's peaceful presidential elections and congratulated Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the country's 10th federal President.

Guterres on Monday welcome presidential elections held in Somalia on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Through a statement, the UN chief commended outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo for "immediately accepting the results and expressing support to his successor".

Guterres also expressed his hope that the new President would move swiftly "to form an inclusive cabinet," and that the new government and federal member states would work closely together "to advance critical national priorities and address the challenges Somalia faces".

The top UN official reiterated the continued support of the UN to the government and people of Somalia and looked forward to continuing to closely work with the new administration to advance Somalia's state-building agenda and address the dire humanitarian situation in the country.