Somalia PM arrives in Puntland on first visit

GAROWE, Somalia, April 10, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has on Friday arrived in Puntland capital of Garowe on first visit since being cherry-picked to the post at the beginning of this year, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar Amey, Parliament Speaker Saed Hassan Shire, cabinet members, parliamentarians, traditional leaders and flag-waving cheering crowds welcomed Sharmarke at Garowe airport.

Speaking at a joint Press Conference with Ali at Puntland State House, Somalia Prime Minister expressed pleasure over his arrival in Garowe, and commended Puntland people for the prevailing stability.

“I have come here for consultations. As you know the country is moving towards 2016 in line with [national benchmarks] and the finalization of Federal Constitution is a critical task ahead,” said Sharmarke.

On his side, Puntland President noted that bilateral talks will be getting underway, disclosing that prime Minister’s stay will last three days.

The formation of Federal state in central Somalia is expected to take a center stage in the consultations between the northeastern state and Sharmarke’s delegation.

Somalia Prime Minister is being accompanied on his trip by ministers and Federal MPs.

Puntland struck a deal with predecessor Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed in late 2014 following a protest over inclusion of North Mudug in central state map. 

GAROWE ONLINE