Below is an article published by The Reporter:

Somaliland Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullahi Omar told The Reporter that the Ethiopian government had assured the Somaliland government that it will work with it in order for Somaliland to get recognition. “We are pleased with the Ethiopian government in promoting our interests. Ethiopia is working on economy, diplomacy and security issues that we expect will help us to achieve our final goal, which is full diplomatic recognition,” he said. “That has not been achieved so far but we are working on it. The Ethiopian government is in support of that and we are very critical to that.”

The new Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamud Ahmud and Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullahi Omar were here in Addis Ababa for a three-day official visit since last Wednesday [17 November 2010]. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and other high-level government officials welcomed the president upon his arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

The Somaliland Foreign Minister appreciated the close relationship that his country has enjoyed with Ethiopia so far. He said that Ethiopia is a strategic country in achieving his country’s international recognition. He added the new Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamud Ahmud discussed issues of recognition and bilateral relations with Prime Minister Mele Zenawi.

The two parties are working closely on issues related to security, peace, trade and communications.