Somalia: Somaliland leader jets off to UAE, UK

HARGAISA, Somaliland- A Delegation led by Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Siilanyo jetted off from Somaliland on Tuesday, for a visit to UAE and UK, Garowe Online reports.

President Siilanyo was accompanied by Somaliland Foreign Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Muse Bihi Abdi the Chairman of Kulmiye-Ruling Party.

Speaking to the media before departure at the Airport, President Siilanyo, said the visit is aimed at strengthening Somaliland’s relationship with UK and EU.

 “Our trip will take several days to advance Somaliland bilateral relationship with UAE and UK, particularly in the areas of economy, development, cooperation and matters of mutual interests, our trip will start in UAE and we will proceed to UK,” President Siilanyo added.

Somaliland delegation trip comes amid recent criticism by the International community in relation to delaying the Somaliland parliamentary elections. Earlier President Siilanyo has decided to separate Somaliland presidential elections and parliamentary elections that were supposed to be held simultaneously in March 2017.

Unrecognized since 1991 and seeking international recognition, Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia as a de facto sovereign state.

GAROWEONLINE