Garowe (SD) – The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, received the Deputy United Nations Envoy to Somalia Anita Kiki Gbeho and delegation she was leading at the Puntland State House.

President Deni’s meeting with Anita Kiki focused on the overall situation in Somalia and the upcoming elections for the Upper House.

Deputy United Nations Envoy to Somalia Anita Kiki Gbeho held a news conference in Garowe saying she had discussed with the Puntland president that the elections should be held on time.

“Today’s consultation with President Deni comes at a moment of historical significance for Somalia, as Somalia moves towards national elections after a period of raised political tensions. Now more than ever strong and principled leadership is needed to deliver the elections, starting with those of the Upper House, for which the Somali people have waited so long.” Anita Kiki said.

The two sides agreed that it is important for the country, especially Puntland, to have free and fair elections, and Anita Kiki pledged her support for Somalia’s elections.

The meeting at Garowe’s Presidential Palace was attended by Puntland Vice President Ahmed Elmi Osman Karash, members of the Council of Ministers and the United Nations Office staff in Puntland