By: Yusuf M Hasan
LONDON (Somalilandsun) – The president H.E Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo has received a warm welcome from British Somalilanders living in Europe and North America.
The president who is visiting London on official invitation from the UK government was received at the Heathrow international airport by a large number of dancing and flag waving British Somalilanders.
Others in the welcoming committee included senior British officials and Somaliland representatives at various European countries.
According to a press statement released by Ambassador-at-large Keise Mohamed Abdilahi, the presid
ent of Somaliland who is currently ensconced in residences provided by his host is buoyed by the overwhelming welcome accorded him.
Said he, “President Silanyo who has arrived in London is ready for start of official talks with the UK government”
In a brief address to the welcoming committee the head of state who informed of his appreciation for their show of support said that peace and security in Somaliland runs supreme and his administration shall endeavor to maintain the status quos.
The presidential entourage that includes the first lady Amina Mohamed Jirde ‘Amina Weris, Foreign and planning Ministers, Dr. Abdilahi Mohamed Omar and Dr. Saad Ali Shire respectively left the country five days ago with a stopover in Nairobi Kenya.
During the Kenya stay, where he held meetings with various diplomatic missions, president Silanyo received an official invitation for talks with the US in Washington.
During a meeting with US envoy to Kenya ambassador Ropert F. Godec, president Silanyo was
assured of the continuation of the US dual track policy engagement despite recent recognition of the government in Mogadishu.
Though the agenda of talks with the UK are yet to be divulged it is expected that discussions will mainly dwell on the resumption of talks between Somaliland and Somalia, British subsidies to the national budget as well as the security situation in Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa region.
