Somalia: Puntland leader receives EU envoy on farewell visit

GAROWE, Puntland- EU Special representative and Ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso paid a farewell visit to Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

At the reception held in the State House, Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas and government officials welcomed the EU envoy and his delegate in Garowe city.  

Closed-door meeting held between the two sides, which recalled on major achievements of EU envoy in the past four year. In the meeting, Ambassador d’Urso received special-traditional gifts from Puntland leader before concluding his diplomatic tenure in Somalia.  

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, President Ali commended Ambassador d’Urso devoted service and noted that during his diplomatic tenure, EU has implemented various development projects in Puntland region that included education, health and infrastructure.

President Ali also thanked the outgoing EU Ambassador for his major achievements in Somalia, particularly taking part in the political roadmap of Somali elections 2016, and wished for him success in his future endeavors.

On his side, Ambassador d’Urso thanked Puntland President for his hospitality and commended the mutual relations both had during his tenure. He further reiterated EU commitment to continue its development projects across Puntland region.

Ambassdor d’Urso noted that he has worked with Puntland authority on various programs, mainly on counter piracy and the electoral transition and urged Puntland leader to push efforts to implement the democratization process in the region.   

In September 2012, European Union has appointed Ambassador Michele Cervone d'Urso to be the first EU special envoy and ambassador to Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE