Garowe - The Federal Government of Somalia and Puntland State of Somalia signed an agreement today to resume relations and work together on peace and state-building priorities.

High-ranking officials from the United Nations, the Inter-Governmental Authority (IGAD) and the European Union gathered in the Puntland capital of Garawe today to witness the historic event.
 

“I am very, very happy today to sign an agreement between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia that will end the disputes between us and form the basis for other regions in Somalia to resolve their disputes,” said Somalia Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheik Ahmed.
 

Puntland declared autonomy from Somalia in 1998. The agreement signed today is considered an important step towards focusing joint efforts on peace and state-building.
 

“As President of Puntland, I discussed with the Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheik Ahmed, about our disputes and how to move forward with our various interests. As the Prime Minister has said, everything has been concluded at this conference and we have agreed to work for the development of Somalia,’’ said President Gaas.
 

Officials say the signing of the agreement paves the way for crucial steps, including reviewing and implementing the Provisional Federal Constitution and holding elections in 2016.

The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG) Nicholas Kay signed the agreement along with IGAD’s Special Representative to Somalia, Mohamed Abdi Afey.
 

“I strongly commend the leadership of the President of the Republic of Somalia for encouraging this agreement between the government of Puntland State and Federal Government of Somalia, with the full involvement of the two parliaments and under the leadership of the Republic of Somalia,” said SRSG Kay.