By M.A. Egge
The government of the Republic of Somaliland and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has pledged to foster and further bolster their working relations.
This was made clear when the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro received at the Presidency the IOM’s area Chief of Mission Mr. Manuel Marques Pereira who was flanked and accompanied by his deputy Ms Prestage Murima and held a significant meeting on Monday.
The IOM delegation also included Ayan Hassan Rabi (Head of IOM Somaliland) and Mohamed Omar Iidaan (Security rep).
The President of the Republic of Somaliland welcomed the delegation and thanked them for their long service in Somaliland.
He said that the Somaliland Government is ready to work closely and effectively with all International Organizations, especially on issues of priority for the Somaliland nation.
The Head of IOM, Mr. Marques Pereira, congratulated the President on his victory in the recent Presidential Elections held in the country and also for the democratic process that has been implemented in Somaliland.
The Head of IOM said that they are ready to work with the new Government, especially with the line ministries and agencies with which they have direct cooperation, such as: Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Resettlement, Justice and Health, the Immigration department etc.
According to a press release from the Presidency signed by the Presidential spokesman Hussein Deyr, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to address migration challenges and how to cooperate on humanitarian issues that need to be addressed.
The key areas of cooperation noted are:
* Managing migration flows and protecting vulnerable people.
* Coordinating support for internally displaced persons and communities affected by natural disasters and conflicts.
* Combating human trafficking and ensuring the protection of individuals at risk.
* Leveraging and developing the knowledge and experience of the Diasporas.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership aimed at promoting stability, humanitarian care, and sustainable development in Somaliland.