Garowe, Somalia — An event to celebrate the opening of a new Corrections Academy in Garowe Puntland, was inaugurated by Puntland President and Director UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland state President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole accompanied by Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire and other Puntland officials, welcomed a delegation led by UNODC Director Yury Fedetov at Garowe airport.

The delegation visited many sites in Garowe capital of Puntland, after President Farole and Director Fedetov cut the rope to open the new Corrections Academy and Headquarters in Garowe.

After the inauguration the officials took a tour of the new facility's classrooms, staff accommodation and offices.

The officials also laid the foundation rock for the new prison being built in Garowe.

According to a Puntland press release, detailing the UNODC visit on Monday, "a VIP lunch, the Puntland leadership and the delegation toured the new building of the Puntland Ministry of Justice and Rehabilitation."

President Farole praised the international community for their assisting in strengthening Puntland's security institutions.

Director Fedetov thanked Puntland for their cooperation and commitment with UNODC.

The new prison and corrections academy are located in a government district in the administrative capital of Garowe.