In solidarity with his people he brave heavy downpour and declines umbrella
By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland jetted back into the country on Friday evening from a three day visit to the neighbouring country of Djibouti, in a visit that rekindled regional cooperation and stability.
Upon arrival at Egal International Airport to a heavy downpour, the Head of State braved the rains, walking into it as he disembarked the plane, hence to the surprise of dignitaries and the servicemen who mounted the reception guard of honour, refused the solace of an umbrella extended to him in a rare show of solidarity, depicting epitome of humbleness.
According to the Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance Hon. Ahmed-yasin Sh Ali Ayaanle who was part of the Presidential entourage, the visit was one that open a new page in the bilateral relations with Djibouti.
It had thawed in the last year of the past administration.
The minister noted that focus on the visit rekindles and solidifies bilateral relations crucial to the development of the region such as security, commercial social and associated affairs.
As he briefed the press at the Presidency, he reminded the nation that the two countries shared not only religion, culture and language, but almost all families in both nations had their kin or extended families across both borders.
He noted that an indispensable highway to connect the countries is not only in the offing but is to be constructed, courtesy of the Africa Development Bank.
This was the first visit by President Abdirahman Irro since taking over the helm of the country’s leadership six months ago, hence what stark out quite distinctly different from his predecessors’ visits is the fact that he was joined by foreign ambassadors of partner nations for breakfast, a meeting that was engaging an eventful.
The President lauded the bilateral relations with Ethiopia, UK and the French as he had breakfast with their Djibouti based ambassadors. They talked of ways and means of strengthening diplomatic and economic relations.
Similarly, the President addressed the Somaliland diaspora in Djibouti in a heartwarming speech.
Somaliland and Djibouti hold high stakes in the Red Sea region, with the countries positioned at a most strategic point.
In a changing geo-political economical world, stability is the main core of development and progress hence a core foundation and focus for H.E. Abdirahman Irro’s administration.