Dhusamareb(Mogadishu24)-The United Nations and Gulmudug State on Saturday held discussions on key issues, including state-building, security, local democracy, and the establishment of a UN regional office in Dhusamareb.

The meeting also focused on crucial matters such as the National Consultative Council’s deal, general elections, the fight against Al-Shabaab, and the stabilization of recovered areas.

Galmudug State President, Ahmed Abdi Karie, received UN Envoy to Somalia, Catriona Laing, at the Galmudug presidential palace.

“I received new UN envoy to Somalia Catriona Laing and her entourage at Galmudug presidential palace. We’ve talked about the situation of the country, NCC deal, electoral issues, the battle to uproot Alshabaab and likewise the stabilization of the liberated areas,” Galmudug President , Ahmed Karie said.

During a media stakeout with Mr. Qoorqoor in Dhusamareb, MS. Catriona Laing stated that they have discussed key issues including setting the foundation for one-person-one-vote elections in the upcoming district elections.

“The President and I discussed the progress Galmudug has made in advancing democracy in the state and in setting the groundwork for one-person-one-vote district elections. The United Nations is fully committed to supporting Galmudug in the preparations of local government elections,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Ms. Catriona Laing.

Ms. Laing also stated that the talks provided a valuable chance to gain further insights into the security conditions prevailing in Galmudug, along with the ongoing efforts towards stabilizing recently reclaimed territories.

“We discussed the importance of following up military operations with stabilisation efforts to ensure the area remains secure, including, of course, the provision of police. And I committed the United Nations to fully come in and support those stabilisation efforts,” Ms. Laing stated.

“An enduring police presence in the reclaimed areas and then the provision of basic services provides the opportunity for people to rebuild their livelihoods because it’s so important for people to see that the government is there to support them,” she added.

The UN Special Representative also addressed the establishing a dedicated United Nations office in Galmudug.

“We now have land in Hero Drogo, here in the capital, and we agreed we should fast-track that work as soon as we possibly can. While we already have a very strong partnership with you, it will obviously be much easier to strengthen and deepen that partnership and for the various UN Agencies, funds, and programmes to establish a presence here and strengthen the partnership going forward,” she said.

The discussions between the UN and Gulmudug State Administration reflect their shared commitment to promoting stability, democracy, and inclusive dialogue in Somalia’s state-building process.