“As a mark of enhanced relations between Somaliland and Turkey diplomatic contact offices shall be opened in Hargeisa and Ankara respectively”-President Silanyo
By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) The President of Somaliland Ahmed Mohamed Mahmud Silanyo has returned to Hargeisa after a 2 weeks official trip to Turkey.
Upon his return the head of state informed that he had concurred with Turkish officials on the imperative need to continue dialogue with neigbouring Somalia while treating the two sisterly countries of Somaliland and Somalia as separate countries.
During his visit, president Silanyo met with various leaders from the Eurasian country including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, his Deputy Bekir Bozdağ, and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, other senior government members, aid agencies and Turkish investors
During the entire visit and subsequent diverse meetings in Ankara the president Silanyo led delegation was given protocols similar to those accord visiting heads of foreign governments thus a clear indication that the Turkish authorities are determined in fully implementing a dual track policy in engagement with the two formerly but now separated countries in the horn of Africa.
“As a mark of enhanced relations between Somaliland and Turkey diplomatic contact offices shall be opened in Hargeisa and Ankara respectively” said president Silanyo during a press briefing at the Egal international airport VIP lounge where he was flanked by a large reception committee led by Vice president Abdirahman Ismail Sayli.
The president’s entourage to Turkey included 1st lady Amina Weris, Foreign Affairs minister Mohamed Yonis Behi and Dr Mohamed Abdilahi Omar the minister of Trade and Foreign investment among others.
