Somali president heads to Puntland tomorrow, his first ever visit since ascending to office

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Garowe, Puntland state, on Thursday, State Media has confirmed.

An advanced team led by the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abshir Omar Huruse, are already in the Puntand city, Garowe, ahead of Hassan Sheikh’s first visit to the state since his election in May.

The delegation was received by the Puntland Head of State accompanied by his deputy, Vice President Ahmed Karaash.

Hassan Sheikh’s visit came a few days after the Puntland state turned down Prime Minister’s Hamza’s request to visit Garowe. Villa Somalia is said to have requested once more the Puntland administration to allow President Mohamud to visit the state, a request which was approved by President Said Abdullahi Deni, who has been enduring a protracted internal political and security crisis.

President Mohamud is expected to hold talks with Puntland regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni and other regional state leaders. He will also meet with members of the political divide as well as elders and members of the civil society.

Tomorrow’s visit will entail among other items; security, drought, development and cooperation between the Somali government and the Puntland administration.