BOSSASO (SD)—The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, today hosted the British Ambassador to Somalia, Michael Nithavrianakis, at his office in Bossaso.

A press release from the Puntland Presidency stated that President Said Deni, accompanied by members and officials of the Puntland government, held a meeting with the British Ambassador to Somalia, Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis, who was accompanied by officials from the embassy. The two sides discussed the ongoing fight against the ISIS terrorist group in the Cal-miskaad mountains of the Bari region.

The press release from President Deni’s office noted that the UK commended Puntland’s efforts in the counterterrorism operation against Daesh, indicating that the UK has joined the operation, which was previously supported by the United States and the United Arab Emirates. These countries have been providing aerial support to Puntland’s defense forces battling ISIS on the ground.

“The meeting, attended by members of the government, focused on Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts, which the UK praised. Discussions also included strengthening cooperation between the UK and Puntland, development projects the UK is implementing in Puntland, and the overall situation in Somalia,” stated the press release from the Puntland Presidency.