UN Special Envoy, Puntland leader discuss drought, security and development issues

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni today received a delegation from the international community led by the United Nations Special Envoy to Somalia, James Swan, at the new presidential palace in Garowe.

The UN Special Representative who was on a two-day visit to Garowe which began on Sunday, today, alongside other UN agency representatives, met with the Puntland leader to discuss issues including support for humanitarian, security and development efforts. 

Addressing the media with the Puntland Head of State, Mr. Swan said they had exchanged ideas on how best the UN would advance Somalia’s state-building processes now that a new federal leadership is in place, and discussed the importance of deep collaboration between the body and the Federal Member States. 

The UN envoy underlined the UN’s readiness to support Puntland’s democratization efforts following local elections in 2021. He also commended the Puntland government and its people for their commitment to direct local elections, emphasizing the UN’s continued support for drought response.