By Hafsa Mursal

JOWHAR– President of Somalia’s Hirshabelle State, Ali Gudlaawe Hussein has on Thursday held a meeting in his office with the new Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Somalia, Mrs. Catriona Laing, and her new deputy, the coordinator of humanitarian operations in Somalia Md. George Conway.

The meeting was an exchange of information on security issues, operations to eradicate the terrorism, uplifting humanitarianism, and promotion of development issues in Hirshabelle Government areas.

Waxaa maanta xafiiskayga ku qaabilay Wakiilka Gaarka ah ee Xoghaya Guud ee Qaramada Midoobay u qaabilsan Soomaaliya, Danjire Catriona Laing iyo Ku Xigeenkeeda cusub Ahna u qeybsanaha iyo Isku-duwaha Howlaha Bini'aadanimo ee Soomaaliya Md. George Conway. pic.twitter.com/Fc6LTwSd5G

— Ali Gudlawe Hussein (@GudlaweHussein) June 8, 2023

The regional leader thanked the new UN Secretary-General for the various support and how they stand with the people of Somalia, especially in the areas of development services and humanitarian issues, noting that there is close cooperation between the Government Institutions and those of the United Nations.

Mrs. Catriona Laing on her part expressed appreciation for the warm welcome she received in Jowhar City and promised to strengthen the relationship and cooperation with the Government of Hirshabelle and also to support the issues of security, development and aid.

1/2) Starting her visits to #Somalia’s Federal Member States, @UN’s @CatrionaLaing1 today went to #Jowhar where she met with #Hirshabelle’s Pres. @GudlaweHussein – topics discussed included #humanitarian needs, #UN support for #stabilization activities and #FGS–#FMS relations. pic.twitter.com/8UtqD377D8

— UNSOM (@UNSomalia) June 8, 2023

This comes a day after holding separate meetings with Pesident Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in the capital Mogadishu.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres had on 3 May this year appointed Catriona Laing of the United Kingdom as his new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) taking of very from James Swan of the United States who concluded his tour of duty in the Horn of Africa Nation.