GAROWE, Somalia Feb 23 (Garowe Online) - The president of Somalia's Puntland State government is on an official visit to the capital of Mudug region, in central Somalia, Radio Garowe reports.

Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed "Farole," Puntland's leader, was accompanied by a government delegation that include parliament Speaker Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama and Health Minister Dr. Bashir Ali Bihi.

On Monday, the Puntland President toured the main hospital in Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region.

Galkayo Hospital's Dr. Mohamed Jama offered the Puntland government delegation a tour of the hospital, a brief overview of its accomplishments and details of the hospital's needs.

Afterwards, Mudug Gov. Abdinur Gessey welcomed President Farole at the central administration building in Galkayo, where hundreds of supporters gathered to get a peek at Puntland's newly elected leader.

Gov. Gessey expressed concerns about the security situation in Galkayo, which has been unreliable in recent months.

President Farole, who addressed the public, spoke about the importance of peace and lawful governance, while encouraging people to pay taxes so that local governments can be empowered to deal with security and other issues.

The Puntland leader is on his first trip to Mudug region since winning the presidential election on Jan. 8.

Source: Garowe Online