By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi, received US delegation led by the American Ambassador Richard H. Riley at the presidential palace over the week.
They discussed issues pertaining to the good relations between the two countries and their bolstering, general security in the Horn of Africa region, the upcoming elections and also the agreement between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia.
The Head of State informed the delegation about the elections slated for November pointing out that all the political parties and the people are in agreement of seeing to it that it is duly held as per cue.
He noted that the state has already facilitated, put in place and availed whatever incumbent upon it to have a successful elections to be held, saying that they have asserted all efforts directed towards it that are thereof required.
The President also briefed the ambassador on the security situation in the Horn of Africa, and highlighted the agreement struck between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia, noting that what the two countries have agreed upon is their entitlement and for their own good and developmental positive progressive interests.
Furthermore, he explained, the venture in the MoU would fledge development of the region as whole and in par with the targeted millennial goals that are only a plus for all given that it will increase economic, security and trade cooperation.
The President observed that the nation of Somaliland has experience pacification and addressing of any conflicts within it, and that it always finds a peaceful management solution.
He made it clear that the insinuation by Mogadishu al Shabab menace will expand if the MoU made with Ethiopia becomes successful is not tenable since the security cooperation would be further bolster peaceful stability.
He maintained that Somaliland is always for bilateral relations peaceful cooperation with any entity hence it is steadfast in its aspirations as per African Union Charter in safeguarding its territorial integrity as at independence.
The American ambassador stated that his government was ready for cooperation between Somaliland and the United States, and welcomes the progress and democracy that Somaliland has taken.
The President was flanked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Issa Keyd Mohamud.
The Ambassador was accompanied on his part by embassy officials Geoffrey Parker and Obermueller Martin.