Puntland President Receives U.S. Special Representative to Somalia in Bossaso
Puntland State of Somalia
PRESS RELEASE
10 January 2013
The President of Puntland State of Somalia H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole) has received U.S. Special Representative to Somalia H.E. Ambassador James C. Swan, on Thursday at the State House in Bossaso.
Puntland Cabinet ministers welcomed Amb. Swan’s delegation at Bossaso International Airport and the visiting U.S. delegation met with the President at the State House for discussions on a range of topics.
Puntland Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama, Ports Minister Said Mohamed Rage, and Security Minister Khalif Issa Mudan joined President Farole during the discussion with the visiting U.S. officials.
The range of discussions covered included, issues related to security and stabilization efforts, humanitarian aid programs, the constitutional adoption in Puntland and the ongoing democratization process, and national developments since the emergence of the Somali Federal Government in August 2012.
Amb. Swan commended Puntland Government for strengthening stability and for playing a key role during the end of transition process in Somalia, including contributing to the process for the Somali Federal Constitution.
The U.S. Special Representative to Somalia also extended his congratulations to Puntland for rescuing 22 hostages from six countries aboard the MV Iceberg 1 vessel, which pirates held hostage for nearly three years. A 14-day Puntland counter-piracy operation laid siege to the MV Iceberg 1 and all the hostages were safely rescued on Dec. 23, 2012.
President Farole expressed appreciation for Ambassador Swan’s visit to Puntland. The President recognized and was encouraged by the instrumental role the U.S. Government continues to play in Somalia, particularly humanitarian aid programs and support for political and stabilization efforts.
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Source: Puntland Government
