United Nations special representative for Somalia Michael Keating on Saturday held talks with Puntland state leader, Abdiweli Ali Gaas in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland.
Keating and delegation arrived in Garowe town today where they were received by Puntland leaders.
Gaas and Keating held lengthy discussions over wide range issues.
Speaking at a joint press conference held by both leaders, Gaas said their talks focused on development and security issues.
“I held a fruitful meeting with Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Michael Keating. our talks aimed at means to develop this country, restoration of security as well as the political situation of the country,” he said.
He said they also discussed the process of the constitutional review.
For his part, Keating said he discussed with Puntland state leader over the tension between Somaliland and Puntland.
“We talked about means to look resolution for the tension between Somaliland and Puntland states over Tukarrak,” said Keating.
He noted the importance of quelling the hostilities in the area saying his position was to try and reduce tensions and increase dialogue between the sides.
In January, Keating also visited Hargeisa to convince Somaliland authorities to ease the tension and pull out its forces from the frontline.
Early this year, forces loyal to Somaliland and Puntland states had engaged in a deadly gun battle over the control of Tukaraqk town, 35km north of Garowe town.
The battle which lasted for hours had caused heavy casualties on both sides with Somaliland taking control of the town.
The two states in northern Somalia have fought sporadic battles since 2002 over the control of the disputed region of Sool which are now under the full control of Somaliland.
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