THT: the visit of General Stephen Townsend is an important step towards laying the foundations for cooperation between Somaliland and In the United States, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations
This was stated by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi during a meeting with senior US military and diplomatic officials led Gen Townsend and US envoy to Somalia Amb Larry André at the Egal International Airport in Hargeisa
Below is a press statement released by the presidential press service
Press release.
President Muse Bihi Abdi and the Commander of the United States Forces in Africa (Africom) Discuss Security Cooperation in Hargeisa.
May-12-2022 – () – President Muse Bihi Abdi today welcomed to Somaliland General Stephen Townsend, Commander of the US African Command (AFRICOM), for consultations on advancing bilateral security interests in East Africa.
General Townsend the top US military official to visit Somaliland since 1991, was accompanied by US envoy to Somalia Ambassador Larry André and other US government officials
The President thanked the delegation for their visit to Somaliland and said that they welcomed the security and military cooperation between Somaliland and the United States.
During the meeting between the two sides at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, President Muse Bihi Abdi noted, “That the visit of General Stephen Townsend is an important step towards laying the foundations for cooperation between Somaliland and In the United States, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations. The Somaliland Coast Guard plays an important role in protecting the important waters of the Red Sea, which is of great benefit to all countries. A stronger, larger partnership between Somaliland and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AFRICOM) could enhance maritime security and support, and support trade and economic growth in East Africa. ”
They welcomed the remarks by President Townsend and US Ambassador Larry André, who reaffirmed their commitment to security and military cooperation.
Also during the visit to Somaliland, General Stephen Townsend and Ambassador Larry André visited Berbera Port and Berbera International Airport, both of which were recently expanded and modernized to improve service quality. the economy, humanitarian issues and security needs of Somaliland, its allies and the region.
The visit of the Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AFRICOM) follows the historic visit of President Muse Bihi Abdi to the United States in March, 2022 and the visit of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to Berbera in August last year.
The President was accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Jesus File Mahmoud, Interior Minister Mohamed Ahmed, chaired by Mr. Mahmoud explained Cateeye (Fariid), commanders of the army and police, High Gas and High Gas Noah Ismail Taani She Mohamed Adan.
THANK YOU ALLAH
Nasir Yusuf Dahir
Director of Media of the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland.
