Nairobi March 20, 2023 (SD) – The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, and members of his Cabinet who are currently in Nairobi for work-related matters, held a meeting today with representatives from the international community, including those from the UK, USA, EU, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, and the World Bank.

According to a statement released by the Puntland Presidency, the attendees discussed several issues, including the development of Puntland, particularly in the areas of security, economic growth, and elections. The situation in Sool Region was also discussed, as well as the federal government’s involvement in the country’s governance, including its position on the National Security Council, which Puntland had previously rejected.

The international representatives welcomed the progress being made in Puntland and emphasized the importance of holding free and fair elections and improving the management of public finances. They especially praised that the Puntland Government has invested more money than the donors have paid so far as stated in the Puntland document.

In other news, it was reported that the international community’s representatives had urged President Deni to participate the National Reconciliation Conference, which is scheduled to take place in the city of Baidoa.

The representatives stated that it was essential for Puntland to participate in the conference, which aims to promote reconciliation and unity among the various regions of Somalia.

The US Embassy in Somalia said in a tweet that “International donors met with #Puntland President @HESaidADeni today & underlined the importance of Puntland engaging constructively in #Somalia’s state-building progress, including through participation at the National Consultative Council #NCC.

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