GAROWE, Somalia -- A high-level European Union delegation visited Puntland region in northern Somalia on Thursday, as the EU prepares to host the Brussels conference for Somalia in September, Garowe Online reports.Prior to arriving in Puntland capital of Garowe on Thursday, the EU delegation visited Mogadishu where they met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Hargeisa where they met with Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo.
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole thanked the EU visiting delegation for coming to Puntland for consultations ahead of the New Deal conference in Brussels.
"We are pleased to receive this high-level EU delegation here in Puntland. We discussed a number of important issues for Puntland and Somalia, including the upcoming New Deal conference for reconstruction and development of Somalia," said President Farole.
The president said Puntland government plans to submit its priorities, to be incorporated into the New Deal conference agenda.
"Puntland is completing its Second Five-Year Development Plan and we have shared a briefing paper with the [EU] delegation. The Development Plan includes Five Priority Sectors and Eight Cross-Cutting Issues, including HIV/AIDS and the effects of khat drug," said President Farole, adding that "security is the priority of priorities" for Puntland.
On Puntland's participation, President Farole said: "Puntland is ready to attend the conference with its own name and status. Media reports said [Somali] President Hassan Sheikh [Mohamud] said the Federal Government, Puntland, and Somaliland will attend the conference. But Puntland can only attend when its weight is recognized."
President Farole noted that Puntland were historically neglected in terms of economic development, adding that "families who resided in southern Somalia for centuries returned and rebuilt Puntland and hosted hundred of thousands of fellow Somalis from southern Somalia who found safe refuge and shared with the host community meager resources in Puntland".
"We hope that the Federal Government recognizes and fulfills its national responsibilities," President Farole added.