​Somalia: IGAD Chief praises Puntland troops for victory over Al Shabaab

GAROWE, Somalia-The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ambassador MahboubMaalim, has commended PuntlandDefence Forces for the victory they secured against Al Shabaab militants in counter-terror raids, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Puntland President, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, in the State capital of Garowe on Sunday, Mr. Maalim said, he congratulates Puntland troops on their recent success in confronting deadly extremism in Somalia.

Accompanied by IGAD Special envoy for Somalia, Ambassador Mohamed AbdiAfey, and other senior diplomats, IGAD Chief discussed transport infrastructure development, security and bolstering of relations with Puntland President.

Ali was flanked by Vice President AbdihakinAbdullahi Haji Omar and cabinet ministers in the meeting with IGAD delegation at the State House.

On his side, Puntland President said the meeting centered around economic infrastructure boom, mainly the second phase of Bossaso airport project and security sans political matters.

IGAD will also give its Office on Security Affairs in Puntland further impetus as part of plans to strengthen security ties among East African States, the top diplomat hinted.

IGAD delegation is slated to jet off to Bossaso port city where they will oversee the progress made in the ambitious aviation program later today.

Meanwhile, continuing his programme in Garowe, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke is seeking to overcome differences looming between Puntland and the UN-backed national government over newly adopted electoral proposal.

GAROWEONLINE