Below is an article published by the Somaliland Press:

Somaliland Vice president Mr. Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail ‘Saylici’ met with delegation headed by UN Humanitarian Coordinator to Somalia and Somaliland Mr. Mark Bowden today [21 November 2011] in the presidential palace. The two sides discussed major issues concerning humanitarian assistance that the United Nation provides to Somaliland this year at the height of drought that hit the country. Somaliland Vice President Mr. Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail put forward to the delegation that his government remains ready by accepting the humanitarian assistance that UN allotted to the people of Somaliland.

On the other hand, UN Humanitarian Coordinator to Somalia and Somaliland Mr. Mark Bowden supervised today the ongoing projects that UNIDO is in-charge of implementing in Somaliland which has close working relations with Havoyoco a local organization. UNIDO and Havoyoco officials together welcomed the UN delegation headed by Mr. Mark Bowden to Havoyoco’s headquarter in Hargeisa.

First, UNIDO program Field Coordinator Eng. Hasan Colad Adan briefed the delegation about the projects that they are implementing in the country under the auspices of Havoyoco. He thanked the government of Japan that invested the projects as he stressed that these projects became possible with the generous contribution from the government of Japan.

Second, the executive director of Havoyoco Mr. Ismail Mohamed ‘Dhoolyare’ gave details about the different departments of Vocational Training Institute which UNIDO funded as well. Reporter for Somalilandpress Mr. Shiine Elmi Kahin had the opportunity to put several questions to Mark Bowden about the discussions that he held with Somaliland officials. Mr. Mark Bowden said, “they the government raised their needs and the areas that we can support them in a bid to reach their ambition. The issues that we discussed include projects that have not yet accomplished and others that have been started recently. Truly speaking, we made pledges for them in order to reach their goal.”
SomalilandPress reporter Mr. Shiine asked the delegation about their visit to Somaliland and in response to this Mr. Mark Bowden said, “We came here to know the projects that UNIDO is responsible in implementing in Somaliland and other issues”.

Mr.Mark Bowden expressed his excitement when it comes to warm welcome he received in his arrival in Hargeisa. He assured that UN is committed to support Somaliland on humanitarian needs that the country needs at this time. The delegation departed from Hargeisa International Airport after having accomplished day trip mission.