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| Last Updated: Apr 3, 2012 - 2:47:55 AM |
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Somalia: British minister on 'first visit ever' to Puntland State
30 Jan 30, 2012 - 4:53:21 PM
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GAROWE, Somalia Jan 30, 2012 (Garowe Online) - A senior official in the UK Government visited Puntland State, marking the first time a British minister has visited the stable state in northern Somalia, Radio Garowe reports.
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| UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell in Garowe |
UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell and his delegation arrived Monday morning at the airport in Garowe, capital of Puntland State. Minister Mitchell was received at the airport by Puntland officials, including Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama, Education Minister Abdi Farah Juha, Environment Minister Abdigani Yusuf Elmi, State Minister for International Cooperation Abdulkadir Abdi Hashi, and acting Puntland Police Chief Mohamed Said Jaqanaf.
The UK Minister's delegation including UK Special Representative to Somalia Mr. Matt Baugh was ushered to the State House in Garowe, where he held a closed-door meeting with Puntland Vice President and Acting President, Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire. Puntland's leader, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, is currently on a visit overseas in the United Arab Emirates.
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| Andre Mitchell talks to the press in Garowe |
Vice President Shire and Minister Mitchell held a joint press conference at the State House, before the UK Development Minister conducted a tour of key areas in Garowe.
"We discussed a range of issues, including UK support to Puntland, national security and anti-piracy efforts, and the upcoming London conference," said Puntland's Vice President at the press conference.
Minister Mitchell said he was happy to be the "first British Minister to visit Puntland ever," adding: "I had an excellent meeting with the Vice President. We discussed how to tackle piracy, the importance of the Roadmap, and the upcoming London Conference."
The Minister stated that he traveled to Puntland to assess the situation on the ground and how UK aid is affecting livelihoods in Puntland.
The UK Development Minister and his delegation toured Garowe and visited particular sites, including the city's hospital, police station and central jail, and fish market. Furthermore, Minister Mitchell held a meeting with members of the Puntland Electoral Commission, where discussions centered around the democratization process in Puntland.
The Minister's delegation flew back to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa later Monday.
GAROWE ONLINE
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