NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 15 (Garowe Online) - The president of Somalia's Puntland regional autonomy arrived in the Kenyan capital Nairobi Wednesday ahead of talks the United Nations, Western embassies and the African Union, Radio Garowe reports.

Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed "Farole," the president of Puntland, led a government delegation that included Planning and International Relations Minister Farah Adan Dhala and State Minister for Democratization and Dr. Abdi Hassan Jim'ale.

Dr. Abdirahman Farole, Puntland President

The Puntland delegation was welcomed in Nairobi by Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Mohamed Ali "America," and former Puntland Local Government Minister, Mr. Ali Abdi Aware.

The delegation is expected to hold talks with Western ambassadors, including the U.S. ambassador in Nairobi, to discuss many issues including the surge in piracy off the Somali coast.

President Farole will spend five days in Nairobi, after which point he is expected to return to Puntland where the parliament is waiting to debate over the 2009 budget and formally ratify the Council of Ministers.

The administration of Dr. Abdirahman Farole came to power in Puntland following a peaceful election on Jan. 8, 2009. The new Puntland leader, who has vowed to improve security, has pledged to fight against Somali pirates who use the Puntland coast to launch attacks on vessels.

Source: Garowe Online