By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The government of Somaliland has welcomed the appointment of Mr. Hailemariam Desalegne as the new Prime minister of Ethiopia
A statement released by the ministry of foreign affairs in Hargeisa congratulated the new Ethiopian prime minister and wished him well in his new duties.
Mr. Hailemariam Desalegne who is the immediate deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs was appointed to his new post in an acting capacity following the demise of his predecessor Meles Zenawi.
According to the minister of foreign affairs Dr Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, it is expected that cordial relations existing between the two countries will be enhanced by the new Prime minister in Addis Ababa who is a long-term friend of Somaliland.
The Foreign minister’s statement read:
On behalf of the government of Somaliland, I wish to convey my congratulations to Mr. Hailemariam Desalegne and wish him well in his new duties as the prime minister of his country.
At the same time, we wish to reiterate our heartfelt condolences, and to express sorrow and shock at the tragic loss of the late Meles Zenawi who was a great political leader.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was an exceptional leader who ensured prosperity and development for his people, and contributed enormously to peace and development initiatives throughout the Continent. He enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as a visionary leader, both in Africa and on the world stage.
In Somaliland, we deeply appreciate the close ties of friendship and mutual collaboration he helped forge between our peoples. We will work with the government of Ethiopia and its people to ensure that the warm and cooperative relations, whom the late Prime Minister nurtured, continue to grow.
I am confident that the close relationship between the two countries will continue under the new leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, Mr. Hailemariam Desalegne, who will be taking over the leadership. I wish Mr. Desalegne a great success in this new challenge.
