BOSASO, Somalia - The president of Puntland State, Said Abdullahi Deni received the United State ambassador to Somalia, Donald Yamamoto in Bosaso city on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.

The Interior and security ministers of Puntland have attended the meeting between Deni and Yamamoto which focused on security, economy and humanitarian affairs, according to a statement from the office of the president.

"Today, we received U.S. ambassador Donald Yamamoto in Bosaso who held a meeting with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and members of the government," said Puntland's Interior minister Mohamed Abdirahman.

In addition, the two sides deeply talked about the U.S. support to Somalia in general and Puntland, in particular, relating to the security, economic growth and the stabilization of the country.

The meeting comes as Deni who was elected in last January is paying his first working visit to several towns and areas in Puntland, including Bosaso and Qardho to assess the situation on the ground.

GAROWE ONLINE