By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The government and people of the United Kingdom never shy-away from enhancing cooperation with industrious partners anywhere in the world.
This was informed by the UK envoy to Somaliland and Somalia Ambassador Neil Wigan at the Egal international airport in Hargeisa where he was among invited guests at the commissioning of various development projects at the national airport.
Amb Wigan who started his address with a few sentences in the Somali language at the function hosted by the Somaliland ministry of aviation and officiated by president Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo further informed that he was impressed by the modernization achievements garnered at the airport that is now to international standards.
“”I congratulate the ministry of aviation for its tremendous achievements at the Egal international airport which is the first face of your country to visitors “said the British Envoy who has been in the country for a couple of days on official duties.
Stressing on the satisfaction of his government with the impact of its intervention in projects and programs geared towards poverty reduction and uplifting livelihoods the ambassador said the British people shall intensify their support and cooperation at all fronts.
While the British people are among top humanitarian and development partners to Somaliland the government in London is the sponsor of the 13 km squared security perimeter fence at the airport as well training of airport security personnel for the country that was one of its protectorate until June 1960.
On the just concluded dispute that emanated from postponed presidential and parliamentary elections which was resolved through peaceful dialogue among political parties and government the diplomat said Somalilanders have once again proven their “unity of purpose” whenever their national cohesion and security is at stake.
The sentiments by the Briton were in reference to the resolution reached by the three national political parties of Kulmiye, UCID and Wadani after talks hosted by the government concluded with December 2016 as the mutually concurred month the country goes to polls. Many believe it was no coincidence that the agreement was reached during the Amb Wigan visit.
The joint participation of government, opposition political parties and traditional leaders in nation building activities in Somaliland is very commendable said Amb Neil Wigan in conclusion of his address at the Egal international Airport function
The British diplomat has during his stay in the country met with Somaliland political parties’ chiefs as well as leaders of Guurti and house of representatives, the two chambers of the Hargeisa based parliament for discussions on prevalent status in the country and more so the now solved election dates dispute.
