Somalia: EU Ambassador visits Puntland to launch development support 5 Nov 5, 2012 - 8:40:39 AM
GAROWE, Somalia Nov 5 2012 (Garowe Online) - EU Special Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso visited Garowe on Sunday and met with Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole to discuss the EU's development for package for 2013, Garowe Online reports.
Ambassador Michele leading a delegation of EU officials arrived in Garowe, capital of Puntland state of Somalia, and met with President Farole, Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire and Cabinet officials.
After the meeting both President Farole and Ambassador Michele spoke to media about their meeting and the EU's new strategy to allow for closer relationships with civil society organizations and Puntland government institutions.
"I've allowed two weeks ago for Somali civil society organizations to partner with international organizations to receive more recognition and support. We want to work closely with civil society, government institutions and police," said Ambassador Michele.
President Farole also spoke about the EU's new initiative to work more closely with Puntland.
"I am glad that the EU is willing to work more closely with civil society in Somalia which will hopefully bring better results on the ground," said President Farole.
The EU announced on Saturday that they would be giving Somalia its largest ever aid package of $202.7 million for 2013. The package follows the country's first ever Presidential election within Somalia.
The new Somali Federal Government will receive this package to strengthen judiciary, weak institutions, education and rule of law.
According to the EU official website, 25 million euros will be allocated to Puntland to tackle food security "through sustainable management of Punltand's rangeland".
