By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Two days of discussions have elicited understanding about the benefits of cooperation imperatives of mutually between Somaliland and the United Nations Somalia Mission-UNSOM.
This was revealed during a joint press briefing conducted at the Somaliland presidency in Hargeisa by UNSOM Chief Ambassador Nicholas Kay and Somaliland Foreign minister Mohamed Behi Younis after a lengthily and productive meeting with President Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo.
According to FM Behi Younis the government is fully committed towards availing its people all the benefits accrued from the over 20 UN organizations operating in the country and under the UNSOM umbrella run by Amb Kay who also doubles as the UN Secretary General Special Representative to Somalia.
“Following various meetings between Amb Nicholas Kay and Somaliland institutions and leaders among them president Silanyo, Heads of parliament, Political parties, Government ministers, and civil Society Organizations among many commitment has been made towards enhanced cooperation with the UN” said Behi Younis
On the various briefings given the Ambassador , the Somaliland Foreign minister was emphatic on the in-Toto stance taken as pertains to the Khatumo secessionist in the east of the country that are responsible for the dent in the blanket peaceful co-existence achieved by Somalilanders.
“WE are hopeful that the Ambassador having been fully briefed by the diverse leadership is now in a better position to advance the cause of Somaliland within the UN and other international Circles” adding that the visiting Ambassador being the top man for all UN agencies here the country is now in a better position to accrue related benefits.
On taking the podium Ambassador Nicholas Kay who stated that the diversified consultations undertaken during his two days stay have ensued with his better understanding of issues pertinent to diverse aspects of the politics and livelihoods of Somalilanders as well as challenges facing, said “the UN has identified various areas where it can provide support under the offices of UNSOM among them the Rule of Law, capacity building for various institutions like Police and the Media etc”
Informing that a new chapter of cooperation has been mutually agreed upon Amb Kay said that the next step is more working visits geared towards strengthening of UNSOM’s presence on the ground in order to respond better to Somaliland needs in line with the general mission of the UN body which is to support people to enjoy better peace, security, lives and freedoms and that is what UNSOM shall be happy to do in partnership with the government here in Hargeisa.
Listen to the Dual English and Somali languages Press Briefing
