The U.S. has announced it will resume a diplomatic presence in Somalia after more than 20 years. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a video statement to coincide with his surprise visit to the country on Tuesday.

Secretary of State John Kerry: “The world cannot afford to have places on the map that are essentially ungoverned. That is why Somalia’s return to effective government is an historic opportunity. In recognition of the progress made and the promise to come, I am pleased to announce that the United States will begin the process of establishing the premises for a diplomatic mission in Mogadishu.”

Kerry’s visit was confined to the perimeter of the Mogadishu airport, where he met with top officials for about three hours.