By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
LONDON (Somalilandsun) – for the first time since assuming office 4 years ago the Somaliland head of state shall perform Eid –ul-Fitr prayers outsider the country.
This was revealed President Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo upon his arrival at Heathrow in London to his reception committee led by the country’s representative in the UK Amb Ali Awale.
“I shall celebrate Eid ul-fitr with Somalilanders here in London” said the head of state while informing that while in the UK shall also not only undertake official duties but breakfast with British Somalilanders as well.
Muslims around the globe are on the 20th day of 30 days obligatory, for the healthy, dawn to dusk fasting during this holy month of Ramadan that concludes with Eid ul-Fitr festivities.
The head of state whose entourage includes the 1st lady Amina Mohamed Jirde ‘Amina Weris’, Education and Foreign affairs ministers Zamzam Abdi Aden and Mohamed Behi Yonis respectively as well as the president’s personal secretary arrived in London after transiting in Ethiopia where bi-lateral talks were held in Addis Ababa.
“My deliberations with the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailamariam Desalegn ended in concurrence on the imperatives of not only sustaining but enhancing existing cordial relations between our two neighbouring and friendly nations’ said president Silanyo.
The Somaliland delegation led by President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo held discussions with Ethiopian officials led by Premier Hailamariam Desalegn on 14 June 2014 in Addis Ababa.
According to African Affairs Director in the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, Solomon Abebe, the discussion aimed at bolstering the all round relations of the two countries dwelt on enhanced cooperation especially as pertains to security, trade, investment, education and culture.
other topics on the agenda included operations at the Somaliland port of Berbera which is conduit for around 65% of Ethiopian exports and imports as well as stringent security measures at border points between the countries.
