Speaker Faratoon thanks President for luncheon honoring parliamentarians
By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, has instructed all state organs of his government to fully cooperate with the Somaliland Lower House of Representatives.
The President also stated that he and his government are there to deservedly work honourably as expected with the legislative institutions.
The President commended the House of Representatives for the work they have done during their time in the legislative council, and promised that whatever remains outstanding to be dealt with on the part of the state would be need-fully addressed.
The Head of State made the sentiments as he over the week addressed the House of Representative members who were led by the Speaker Mohamoud Hiir Faratoon and his deputies at the Presidency where they were hosted for a state luncheon.
Most of the MPs attended the luncheon.
The President noted that in order for the legislative body to expedite their duties well for the nation and the voters, inter-working relations associated with line public institutions got to be respected.
It is the first time that a head of state of the nation is a former MP and served longest as the Speaker of the parliament.
He said. “I would like to thank the Speaker of the Somaliland House of Representatives and all the members of the parliament for accepting this honorable invitation to this luncheon. I myself have been a member of parliament and speaker of the parliament for 12 years”.
He continued, “As the President and the government, we assure you that we are ready to work with the parliament and the speaker, to respect them and their role in the nation.
“I congratulate the three national parties that have emerged in the elections to become the official national political parties for the next decade”.
He pointed out that his administration will closely work with both the Upper and the Lower Houses of the Parliament duly, and across the political divide. He noted that he was all along in the opposition hence understands well and understands better the needs of working with both sides of the aisle for the benefit of the nation.
“We acknowledge and hail the House of Representatives for the work that the constitution has assigned to you. We are grateful for what you have done. We will support you in whatever you do. We will work with you. We will meet with you again and again and work together on national issues”, he underscored.
The President informed the House of Representatives that they will forward the appointments of the new government that need parliamentary approval.
Speaking on behalf of the MPs, the Speaker Hon. Faratoon thanked the Head of State for the reception accorded and noted that it was the helm of honors for them to be accorded.
The Speaker described the invitation by the president as reflecting the president’s interest or commitment to cooperation between the various branches of government.
He said that the wisdom of the president emanates from his past experience as an MP and a long time Speaker of the parliament.
The speaker indicated that the president’s gesture reflects that they should work closely together and facilitate the role of the House of Representatives in the country’s governance.
He pledged that the House of Representatives is ready to work with the president and the state duly and they would stick to their duties for the nation as diligently as possible as dire needs may arise.