By: Yusuf M Hasan
ANKARA (Somalilandsun) – The Turkish government has agreed to channel its development aid to the country direct to the ministry of finance.
This was revealed during a meeting Ankara between Somaliland students studying in Turkey and three government ministers who were the official delegation to the just concluded Istanbul conference on Somalia themed “Preparing Somalia’s Future: Goals for 2015”
The minsters who met with the students in Ankara include foreign minister Dr Mohamed Abdilahi Omar, Planning minister Dr Saad Ali Shire and Minerals, Energy & Water minister Hon Hussein Abdi Duale who all urged the students to maintain personal uprightness as they are a mirror to the country.
According to student Naima Qasim Jama who also doubles as a journalist with Ainabo news.com, the ministers informed that during discussions with Turkish officials it was agreed that development aid to Somaliland will be directed direct to president Silanyo’s administration as opposed to being lumped together with Somalia.
The minister of planning Dr Saad Ali Shire said that as per earlier arrangements the delegation only participated in the first phase of the Istanbul conference that dwelt on issues relevant to Somaliland as pertains to development and economy and more specifically to Resilience, Energy, Water and Roads, said he, “We did not participate in the second phase of the conference that dwelt on the Road Map for Somalia”
The planning told the students that the main thrust of the delegations thrust in all its discussions with various personalities from turkey and other countries was to the effect that the onus was on the international community to recognize Somaliland since its sovereignty was irrevocable.
The minister of Minerals, Energy & Water Hon Hussein Abdi Duale told the students to work hard in pursuit of academic Excellency thus return home to become the engine that drives national development, Said he, “We urge you to return home on graduation thus spur national development instead of immigrating to Europe”
The students who in unanimity agreed to uphold high standards as well as return home immediately upon completion of their studies, asked the ministers to convey their greetings to Somalilanders
