Somalia: Turkey Receives Presidential Praises

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President Hasan (L) Foreign minister Ms Fozia C() and John Kerry (R)

As Washington commits $69m to Somalia project during president Hassan’s visit to US

Somalilandsun – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has expressed deep appreciation to Turkey on its role to find a peaceful way to end long-running disputes between Somalia and Somaliland.

President Mohamud attended a conference on the sidelines of his visit to the US capital, Washington, D.C. on Friday. Speaking at the conference, Mohamud talked about security challenges and Somalia’s economy as well as his country’s relations with its neighbours. He also touched on the long-running disputes between his country and Somaliland.

Praising Turkey’s determination to revive a process of dialogue among Somalia and Somaliland to end their dispute, he said “I thank for their large and good offices of Turkish government on solving issues with Somaliland. We have been continuing our dialogue with the authorities of Somaliland.”

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President Ahmed Silanyo of Somaliland region had met in Ankara, the Turkish capital in April, 2013 within the context of the dialogue process they initiated after a long time. Second round of the meetings at the ministerial level had taken place in July, 2013 in Istanbul.

21 September 2013

Anadolu Agency

US commits USD 69mln to Somalia project

WASHINGTON, Sept 20 (KUNA) — In a statement released late Thursday, the US said it had pledged USD 69 million toward a project in Somalia that aims “to promote and strengthen already existing programs in community stabilization, economic growth, education, and enhancing democracy, governance, and rule of law,” according to The Department of State.

The commitment was made Monday in Brussels, the site of the New Deal conference for Somalia. The meeting, attended by 50 delegations from around the world, aimed to implement a three-year plan to rebuild the war-torn nation.

“Through this New Deal platform, America’s longstanding commitment to Somalia and the Somali people will continue to deepen,” said Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf. “We are committed to working with the Somali people and the Federal Government of Somalia to improve the lives of everyday Somalis, and enhancing our diplomatic and development relationships.” “This progress would not have taken place were it not for the dedication and commitment of the many members of the Somali community who make a daily decision to focus on a future built on hope and peace, rather than on conflict and despair,” she added.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who also attended the conference, will be in Washington Friday and is expected to meet with Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. (end)