​Somalia: Puntland President travels to UAE, Parliament endorse deal with CCECC

BOSASO, Puntland- The President of semi-autonomous region of Puntland, Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” has jetted off to United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, expected to finalize the deal to develop Bosaso seaport, Garowe Online reports.

Officials from Puntland government including cabinet ministers, parliamentarians and members of the civil society were present at Garowe Airport before President Ali’s departure to UAE.

Speaking to the media at the Airport, Ali stated that the visit aimed to conclude talks with officials from UAE to strike a deal to develop and modernize Bosaso Port, the commercial hub of Puntland region.

“Today I am leaving to UAE to take-part in the talks to reach an agreement to expand and modernize Bosaso Port. The talks were extended but its in the last stage and I hope it ends successfully,” said Ali.

-Puntland Parliament’s permanent committee approves agreement with CCECC’

The permanent committee of the region’s state Parliament was reported to have endorsed the recent agreement with China-based company China Civil Engineering and Construction Cooperation (CCECC) to build Garowe-Eyl road and development of Galkayo Airport.

The committee also approved awarding license to CCECC to conduct exploration of oil and gas in Puntland regions.

However, the committee called for more deliberation on the deal in the upcoming parliamentary session to be approved by the state Parliament.

Early last year, CCECC has concluded the construction of a new paved runway for Bosaso Airport after winning the bidding process from other international companies.

GAROWEONLINE