A delegation led by U.S. Special Representative to Somalia, H.E. Ambassador James C. Swan, arrived Saturday in Garowe, capital of Puntland State of Somalia.
Ambassador Swan, who was accompanied by U.S. Embassy and USAID officials, was welcomed at Garowe airport by Puntland Education Minister Hon. Abdi Farah Saeed (Juha), State Minister for International Cooperation Hon. Abdulkadir Abdi Hashi, and presidential staff.
The U.S. Ambassador’s delegation was ushered to the Puntland State House in Garowe, where Ambassador Swan held discussions with Government officials led by the President, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole), and Vice President H.E. Abdisamad Ali Shire.
Points of discussion included: implementation of the Roadmap and advancing the Somali peace process; the role and contribution of IGAD and the African Union to help stabilize Somalia; the anti-piracy campaign; the U.S. Dual-Track policy for Somalia; and U.S. support for humanitarian and development programs in Puntland State of Somalia.
Ambassador Swan’s delegation held a meeting with representatives from the Puntland business community, including representatives from livestock, telecom, energy, banking, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.
It was Ambassador Swan’s first visit to Somalia’s Puntland State since his appointment as U.S. Special Representative to Somalia in August, 2011.
President Farole and Ambassador Swan held a joint press conference at the State House before the Ambassador’s delegation flew back to Nairobi.
Horseed Media
Source: Puntland President Office
