Somalia's new prime minister has pledged to form a competent, trustworthy government ready to work toward developing the country, as it emerges from a U.N.-backed transition plan.

Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon Saaid told VOA in his first interview since taking the post that he will base his agenda on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's six-point plan for building the country's institutions.

The president's priorities include establishing stability, economic recovery, peace-building, public service delivery, national unity, and improving Somalia's international relations.

The prime minister told VOA he is open to make changes to that framework, if necessary. He also said the government he forms will be small.

President Mohamud announced Mr. Saaid's selection as prime minister on Saturday.

The political newcomer was a Kenya-based businessman before becoming prime minister.

Last month, Somalia completed the U.N.-backed plan designed to bring a stable central government to the country following two decades of chaos and conflict.

The last stable government collapsed in 1991.