Aug 24, 2010

Somaliland: Visit of Ethiopia-Based British Diplomats


Somaliland is well on its way to gaining international recognition and legitimacy by garnering British support and co-operation. They were particularly commended for their free and fair election that had just come to a close on 26 June 2010. 

Below is an article published by: Garowe Online

Delegations from Britain visited Hargeisa the capital city of the breakaway republic of Somaliland in northern Somalia and met with President Ahmed Siilaanyo in the presidential palace in the capital, Radio Garowe reports.

In a statement to the media, Somaliland presidential spokesperson Abdillahi Cukuse said President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Siilaanyo) met the delegations from Britain led by UK Ambassador to Ethiopia Mr. Norman Ling, Matt Woods.

The statement added that the aim of the delegations was to build up the relation between Somaliland and Britain and how the two countries can work together.

The president told the delegation the new political strategic of his new government, including how he wants to develop the security, finance, health and education, noted the statement.

Other concerns such as fight against terrorist and piracy also dominated the meeting.

Ambassador Mr. Norman Ling, Matt Woods, the deputy of UK Embassy to Ethiopia and Onathan Hargeaves the head of DFID of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya congratulated Somaliland for the free and fair elections on 26 June this year.

The Ambassador said the elections in Somaliland are wakeup to the world, adding that his government and European Union are ready to support Somaliland about the security, health, finance, education and democracy.

Somaliland, located in the northwest corner of Somalia, unilaterally declared independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized internationally.