Nairobi(Mogadishu24)-Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni held a significant meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss strengthening historic cooperation between the two sides.

The talks focused on various key areas, including counterterrorism efforts, building security institutions, development projects, and investment opportunities.

The meeting, attended by officials from both Puntland and the U.S. Embassy, comes amid deteriorating relations between the Federal Government of Somalia and Puntland State.

In March this year, Puntland announced its withdrawal of confidence and recognition from the Federal Government after the Somali Parliament passed four chapters of the provisional constitution, further straining the relationship.

The discussions between President Deni and Ambassador Riley underscore the importance of continued collaboration between Puntland and the United States, particularly in the areas of security and development, despite the ongoing tensions with the central government.