Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has arrived in the Northern coastal town of Bossaso to attend the opening ceremony of the renovated airport runway.
The ceremony which will take place on Friday, the 8th of January will be attended by many dignitaries such as Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid, Italy, China ambassadors and also other Western diplomats, Ex-premiers, members of the Federal cabinet and other distinguished guests from neighbouring countries.
Speaking to journalists after arriving at the airport on Thursday evening, President Mohamoud expressed his excitement towards the completion of the project.
‘’Bossaso airport will significantly contribute to the economy of the country and it is a very proud moment for all Somalis.’’
Italy ambassador to Somalia said that he was pleased with the way the project was conducted. The Italian government paid the funds for the reconstruction of the runway.
Meanwhile, China’s ambassador to Somalia pledged that his government will also implement development project in the autonomous region.
The upgrading works of Bosaso airport was launched by Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali in December 2014 and was accomplished last month. The project was undertaken by China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC).
Located in North-eastern Somalia on the Gulf of Aden coast, Bosaso is the third largest city in the country and it is the economic heart of Puntland State with a major seaport.
The town’s economy has grown rapidly since the start of civil war in the country and before it was regarded as a ‘‘remote’’ area by the former Military government. Only local traders and businessmen used the port to export goods to neighbouring Arab countries.
Hopes are high, the airport will boost and help get the local economy out of its current slump by bolstering the port town as a regional business and trade center.
Horseed Media
Somalia: Mass preparations in Bosaso ahead of airport opening ceremony
Published: January 7, 2016
