Somalia: Puntland President is set to visit China

GAROWE, Puntland- The President of northeastern region of Puntland, Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” is expected to travel to China following his brief visit to Addis Ababa on Friday, Garowe Online reports.

President Ali along with Presidential aide, Puntland Commerce Minister, State Minister of Fisheries and Deputy Director of Puntland Petroleum Agency will travel to Shangahai city to hold meetings with Fishing and oil companies, according to close sources.  

The source noted that previous talks between China-based companies and President Ali took place in Addis Ababa during his past trips to Ethiopia. President Ali was reported to have pressed the companies to invest and build a seaport in Gar’ad coastal village off the Indian Ocean and located in Mudug region. 

It’s noteworthy, that in his speech in the 38th Parliamentary sessions, Ali opted not to disclose information in regard to talks between Puntland government and international companies willing to invest in the state, whereas Puntland Parliament criticized his frequent foreign trips and described it “fruitless” for causing burden to the state budget.

Puntland is witnessing worsening drought and humanitarian situation amid lack of government plans to provide immediate relief response to the nomadic communities in the rural areas.  

GAROWEONLINE