Puntland President receives a warm welcome to Addis Ababa on an official visit to The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The President of Puntland State of Somalia H.E. Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was today warmly welcomed to Addis Ababa on his first official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Before departing Garowe this morning and leading a delegation composed of two Ministers, Chief of Puntland Defense Forces and the Ethiopian Consular-General to Puntland, the president emphasized the importance of his travel stating;

“This morning, we are travelling to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for the coming few days. Principally, as is already evident, there are natural economic synergies between Ethiopia and Puntland State that have not yet been fully developed or realized, and part of our trip today is to pursue these opportunities and strengthen our historic social, economic and political ties”.

At reception, His Excellency Dr. Abdiweli and his delegation were welcomed by H.E Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Wondimu Asamnew, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Somalia, H.E Ahmed Abdisalam Aden, Ambassador of Somalia to Ethiopia, H.E Mahad Farah Gaas Consular-General of Puntland State to Ethiopia, and Chief Protocol of Ethiopia.

This trip will be the first of H.E Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, the President of Puntland State outside of the country since he was elected on January 8th, 2014 as the fourth President of Puntland State of Somalia.