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Somali leaders must "act swiftly" to form a new government and end the eight-year transitional period, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said during a visit to Mogadishu on Monday (August 27th).

"The ending of Somalia's transition will bring with it the prospect of lasting peace, prosperity and stability for the country and for the millions of people who have suffered from 20 years of conflict," Ashton said, according to an EU press release. "It is an occasion the European Union warmly welcomes."

Ashton arrived on Monday and met with Somali leaders, representatives of the African Union Mission in Somalia and UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia Augustine Mahiga.

She praised the transition process and lauded the potential that it represents for Somalia, but urged stakeholders to finish the transition as quickly as possible for the good of the country.

"The new federal parliament must finalise the process as soon as possible to fulfil the aspirations of all Somalis. The new institutions must then immediately embark on efforts towards stabilisation in all accessible areas in the country," she said. "This is crucial to the future of a viable federal Somalia."

Ashton reiterated the European Union's commitment to supporting Somalia during and after the transition.