By: Yusuf M Hasan
NAIROBI (Somalilandsun) – The recognition of the Somalia government has no bearing to prevalent relations between Washington and Somaliland.
The US government is to continue its dual track engagement policy as pertains to Somaliland and Somalia despite the recent recognition of the Mogadishu government by the USA.
This was revealed by the US envoy in Kenya Ambassador Ropert F. Godec during a meeting with President H.E Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo in Nairobi where the ambassador also extended an official invitation to the Somaliland head of state to bi-lateral talks in Wasahington DC.
President Silanyo who upon accepting the invitation for the forthcoming talks in Washington went on to thank the people and government of US for their continued assistance to various developments in the country.
In reference to the recent Travel alert issued by the US state department the head of state briefed on the prevalent and conducive security situation in Somaliland, which he termed as the most successful in the Horn of Africa as pertains to the fight on Terror and piracy.
“Somaliland is very secure for citizens and foreigners alike, due to the existing security cooperation between the government and its citizens” Said Dr Silanyo
Apart from the security factor the briefing by Dr Silanyo to the US diplomat responsible for somaliland/Somalia also touched on Somaliland’s cooperation with other Horn Africa countries on issues pertinent to the war on terror and anti-piracy that have supplemented international efforts.
The head of state also briefed on the achievements attained by his administration as pertains to improvement of peace and reconciliation, Economy, Political maturity, Democratization process, among others.
While revealing Somaliland’s commitment to resumption of the international sanctioned talks with its neighbour Somalia, the Somaliland president informed that his country’s independence will not be an agenda as per the desires of 97% of citizens who remain adamant as to the irrevocability of their sovereignty.
“In view of this unanimous decision by citizens of my country, we shall continue with our relentless quest for international recognition even while holding talks with Somalia” Dr Silanyo
Stressing on the fact that the talks with Somalia relate to good neighbourliness between to cou
ntries that share common boundaries President Silanyo urged all stakeholders to respect the wishes of Somalilanders thus refrain from enunciating that resumed talks will deal with reunion.
In conclusion president Silanyo who was accompanied by the foreign minister Dr Mohamed Abdilahi Omar, Planning Minister Dr Saad Shire and Somaliland ambassador to Kenya informed that his country is ready and prepared to continue assisting the international community stabilize the Horn Africa region through elimination of terrorism and piracy.
