By M.A. Egge
The nation of the Republic of Somaliland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Somaliland Red Crescent Society (SRCS) has pledged to further bolster their cooperation and partnership relations.
This was reiterated and affirmed during a meeting the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro held on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace with a high-level delegation from both the ICRC/SRCS organizations.
The President was flanked at the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of the Presidency, the Presidential Foreign Policy Advisor, the Spokesperson and the Secretary to the President
The ICRC delegation was led by Mr. Antoine Grand, Head of ICRC Somaliland/Somalia, Mr. Jimaale Ali Nur, Head of ICRC Somaliland Office, and Mr. Ahmed Abdi Bakal, Executive Director of the Somaliland Red Crescent Society (SRCS).
The Head of State thanked the delegation for their visit and commended the excellent humanitarian work the organizations are doing in Somaliland.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland acknowledged the important role these organizations play in responding to humanitarian needs, especially in health, prisons, the disabled and in the restoration of family links.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment and the importance it attaches to peace and stability in the region, hence stating that efforts for peace, stability, reconciliation and welfare of the Somaliland community are the top priorities and priorities of the government.
Mr. Antoine Grand, Head of ICRC Somaliland/Somalia congratulated the President on his victory in the presidential election, praising Somaliland for the mature democratic process that has been implemented in Somaliland.
The official gave the President a general briefing on the history and activities of the ICRC in Somaliland. He particularly highlighted the support that the organization provides to Somaliland, especially in the areas of prisons and health sectors and medicinal supplies.
Mr. Grand also highlighted the support that the ICRC provides to the Somaliland Red Crescent Society in key areas such as the disability unit (PRP), the health sector and on the restoration of family links and ties mainly separated by conflicts.
Mr. Antoine Grand thanked the Somaliland Government for its cooperation.
The Executive Director of SRCS Somaliland, Mr. Ahmed Abdi Bakal, on his part, gave the President an in-depth briefing on the extensive activities of the Red Crescent Society in all six regions of the country.
He also highlighted the strong partnership with the ICRC and the Red Crescent Societies, as well as the support received from the Red Cross Societies of the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany and Norway.
The meeting concluded with an understanding to further strengthen cooperation and partnership between the ICRC, SRCS and the government of Somaliland to address the current humanitarian needs.