UAE vital for Somalia’s security and stability-Gaas
Puntland stands in the front-line of defense against international crime syndicates, the state leader Abdiweli Gaas has said noting a close relationship with UAE was indispensable in ensuring regional security.
Speaking at a forum in Abu Dhabi Thursday, Gaas pitched his case for sustained diplomatic relations between the gulf nation and Somalia arguing the relationship was mutually beneficial.
“We are in the first line of defense against terrorism, piracy and human trafficking,” said Gaas. “All these are important for the security of UAE. It is not only for Somalia but also the UAE; this is mutually beneficial.” Up to 24,000 vessels pass through the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Puntland, Gaas said noting both countries must collaborate with international community in realising the security-development nexus.
Gaas who has pushed for UAE stay in Somalia against the backdrop of a souring relations between Abu Dhabi which led to cancellation of military support deal mid this month said the dispute between the two nations will soon end, calling it ‘passing wind’.
“Somalia and UAE enjoy brotherly relations which cannot be superseded by the current dispute. This is a passing wind and we hope this hiccup will soon be resolved.”
The Puntland leader who is on a diplomatic charm offensive in UAE following the cancellation of the military support also defended his government’s trade relations with the Emirati government noting the state laws allowed it to pursue own contracts.
Article 54 of Puntland constitution allows us to enter into and sign contracts, Gaas said but noted military deals fell under different scope. UAE’s P&O Ports secured a 30 year concession with Puntland last year valued at $336 million.
Gaas added federalism sought to cure some of the challenges the country has faced over the years noting centralised system sowed the seeds of discord which boiled over into collapse of government and subsequent civil war in Somalia.
“Somalia’s collapse of 1991 was the result of centralised power and the Mogadishu city state. Somalia is not Mogadishu and Mogadishu is not Somalia.”
GOOBJOOG NEWS