Somalia: Puntland leader lands in Kismayo for talks

BOSASO, Puntland - A delegation led by President of Somalia's northeastern semi-autonomous region of Puntland, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali "Gaas" has arrived in the southern port city of Kismayo on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.

President Ali left Bosaso, the commercial hub and port city of Puntland for Kismayo to participate in the Jubbaland hosting conference between the leaders of Somalia's Federal members states expected to kick-start in the coming hours.

On arrival at Kismayo International Airport, Puntland President and his entourage were warmly welcomed by his Jubbaland counterpart, Ahmed Mohamed Islam known as (Ahmed Madobe) and other high-ranking state Officials.

Before his departure, Ali told the local Media that the Kismayo meeting will focus on significant issues, including cooperation between regional states, the sharing of the resources and the development of Somalia.

"It is a great pleasure for us today that I'm traveling to Kismayo for the conference between the Somali regional leaders," he said.

The meeting which brings together Presidents of Puntland, HirShabelle, Southwest, Galmudug and Jubbaland aims to solve the political tension between the central government and its Federal member states over the Gulf diplomatic crises.

Puntland, Southwest, and Galmudug states have similarly sided with Saudi-led Arab alliance against Qatar, while the central government stayed neutral in the GCC rift.

GAROWE ONLINE