The meeting, which was held at the US embassy in Mogadishu, was also attended by US envoy Larry Andre and the Somali prime minister's security adviser.

Mr Nur said he and the Africom commander "shared our mutual commitment in enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the SNAF [Somali national armed forces] and fighting al-Shabab".

"The FGS [federal government of Somali] is appreciative of the role of Africom in enhancing peace and security in the region," he tweeted.

The US embassy tweeted photos of Gen Langley's visit to Mogadishu, saying Washington provides "security assistance that strengthens Somali and AU [African Union] partners as Somalia assumes full responsibility for protecting the Somali people from extremist violence and extortion".

The new Somali government has vowed to step up the fight against al-Shabab, which has intensified its attacks across the country this year.