MOGADISHU, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations migration agency said on Friday it has opened a new office in the Somali capital of Mogadishu to support ongoing migration management programs in the country.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the office, which was constructed at the request of the Somali government, will enable a closer cooperation with government and community partners and cut response time to meet operational needs.

Dyane Epstein, IOM Somalia chief of mission, said in a statement that the new office signifies the IOM's strong commitment to the government and people of Somalia and shows the agency's unwavering support for years to come.

Gamal Mohamed Hassan, minister of planning, investment and economic development, welcomed the opening of the new office, and called on international non-governmental organizations and UN agencies to relocate to Somalia.