Bossaso — US Ambassador to Somalia James Swan visited Bossaso, the commercial capital of Puntland, and met with Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and cabinet officials on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

After landing at Bossaso International Airport, Ambassador Swan leading a delegation of US officials headed to the Presidential Palace in Bossaso to meet with President Farole.

Puntland Minister of Security Khalif Isse Mudan, Minister of Finance Farah Ali Jama and Ports Minister Said Mohamed Rage were present during the discussions between President Farole and Ambassador Swan.

The Puntland press release issued on Thursday, read that the dignitaries discussed issues relating to "security and stabilization, humanitarian aid programs, the constitutional adoption and the ongoing democratization process."

According to the press release, Ambassador Swan applauded the Puntland government for their roles in assisting in the completion of the transitional process and the Provisional Federal Constitution for Somalia which was adopted last August.

He also congratulated the Puntland government on the rescuing of the 22 hostages being held for almost 3 years on the MV Iceberg 1 vessel, after pirates kidnapped it near Oman.

President Farole welcomed the Ambassador's visit to Puntland and hoped for continued support by the US government to Somalia.