MOGADISHU, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN envoy in Somalia on Wednesday called for constructive relations between federal and state authorities to foster development in the Horn of Africa nation.
James Swan, special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), said in a statement issued after visiting Hirshabelle State that "I had very constructive discussions with President Mohamed Abdi Ware and members of his government - we agreed that good relations between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal members states are crucial to strengthen the state-building process in the country."
Swan also underlined the scope of the UN family's engagement in Hirshabelle, covering development of institutional capacity, provision of humanitarian assistance, facilitation of political reconciliation and mediation, as well as security sector reform and infrastructure development.
"We are looking forward to increasing our cooperation with the government and people of Hirshabelle in order to implement the UNSOM mandate and the activities of the UN family more effectively," Swan said.
The Hirshabelle's trip was the UN envoy's third visit to a federal member state since his arrival in Somalia on June 25, following trips to Puntland and Jubaland.
