Somalia: Ethiopia’s FM, Puntland President confer on issues of common interest

Addis Ababa- Foreign Minister Dr Tedros Adhanom today held talks with President of the Puntland state of Somalia Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas on issues of common interest.

The two sides in Addis Ababa has discussed mainly on strengthening cooperation in peace and security, trade, investment and migration. Minister Tedros during the bilateral discussion affirmed commitment of the Ethiopian government to continue to train students from Puntland including in post graduate programs, according to a high level official who attended the meeting. 

Following the discussion, Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas told ENA that Ethiopia has been playing crucial role in human resource development in Puntland. Ethiopia has been providing trainings for students from Puntland in various levels at the Civil Service University in Addis Ababa. 

Capacity building activities are among the key co-operation with Ethiopia, the President said. Concerning Trade and investment ties, the state government of Puntland is keen to strengthen further its partnership with Ethiopia. 

The President said that it is Puntland's desire that the Ethiopian Airlines, the national flag carrier, to start direct flight between Addis Ababa and Puntland in order to boost economic and business ties. 

Puntland has ample opportunity in the area of infrastructure development, said the president urging for Ethiopian investors to engage in the area. 

SOURCE: Ethiopian News Agency