Somalilandpress has received the following press release statement from Somaliland’s Liaison office in Washington, DC, United States.

Press Release: The Republic of Somaliland

Liaison Office

Washington D.C.

Press Release

A Somaliland delegation consisting of senior ministers and parliamentarians visited the U.S. From March 20–28, 2010 as a result of a U.S. government invitation. The delegation included,

Honorable Mr. Abdillahi Duale, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delegation leader,

Honorable Mr. Abdillahi Ali, Minister of the Interior

Honorable Mr. Ali Mohamed, Minister of National Planning

Honorable Mr. Osman Sh. .Abdi, Minister of Water and Mineral Resources

Honorable Mr. Said Jama Ali, Deputy Speaker of the House of Honorable Mr. Bashe Mohamed Farah, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

The visit was in line with periodic review of the relations between the two countries comprising a follow-up on pending issues and consultations on areas of mutual interest.

In addition to a meeting with senior officials of the National Security Council (NSC) in the Executive Building of the White House, the delegation had intensive discussions in multiple meetings with the leadership of the State Department’s Africa Bureau including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa. The meetings were also attended by senior officials from the Department of Defense and other relevant U.S. government bureaus and agencies. However, unlike previous meetings, the two sides explored Somaliland’s “political status” in the light of the Djibouti Peace Process with a view of shedding light on its applicability to the facts on the ground.

Regarding the generic areas of concern including threats to security, i.e. religious extremism, terrorism, piracy and the lack of adequate social and economic development, the Somaliland delegation presented in-depth comprehensive review of challenges the country is facing now as well as its urgent needs for safeguarding its security. The two sides discussed in detail ideas and plans deemed appropriate to meet Somaliland’s needs. The U.S. side pledged its support and agreed to the creation of a joint follow-up group to monitor progress made. The Somaliland delegation is pleased to note that the above discussions were among friends; they were cordial and constructive.

While in Washington, the delegation had discussions with a host of US-based private and non-profit organizations as well as multilateral donors such as USAID and the World Bank, to build relations with a view to establishing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. In particular, the delegation emphasized areas that have the greatest impact on people’s daily existence, such as clean potable water, improved agriculture, health, education and rural development.

The delegation concluded its official activities with a meeting with the Somaliland community in the Washington metropolitan area.

Dr. Saad Sh. Osman Noor,

Somaliland’s Representative to the United States.

1 COMMENT

  1. Mashallah, Mashallah, Mashallah

    Keep up the good work gentlemen. May Allah(swt) grant you success in this life and the hereafter. Ameen

  2. Jimcaale,
    You can be right about saying such a faithfull pray for our delegations to the states, however, they need to actually work on the logical reality of today's world.
    I mean, particpation of international meetings and going to invitations doesn't really mean anything to the extremely poor families back in home!, what will really help them is what our delegation achieves interms of job creation and atraction of foriegn investment….etc.etc
    Being to the states can be politicaly sexy – but will never build country that has absolutely no social infrastructure.

    Hassan

  3. Lip service doesn't count. We need tangible action that materializes. When we see it, we will believe it.

  4. Judging from their demeanor I doubt these oldmen of the sixties actually got anything done, that is assuming they speak proper english or know diplomatic etiquette at all, in one of the pictures Somaliland's foreign minister who is the most enlightened one of the pack had his arms around the former US Ambassador like he is his date or something, not only is it rude its considered condescending. These afweyne leftovers mediocre ministers are not the type who get anything done if I were you wouldn't get my hopes high. The only reason they are here is to play catch up with the opposition leaders who were here few months ago and to beg the diaspora for money and support.

  5. Also add Rayaale on his last visit to the US did meet up with the same groups, USAID, etc, and nothing came out of it. What I fear is what Somaliland's rep in US Dr, Sa'ad refered to as and I quote him here "the two sides explored Somaliland’s “political status” in the light of the Djibouti Peace Process with a view of shedding light on its applicability to the facts on the ground. " I really wonder if they are selling us short.

  6. It's good but the US makes false promises to it's citizens and the world, lets see if they stand by their words.

    They always fail to deliver then they reshuffle, remix and make things seem like new leaders have came on board with new views and policies.

    Im not optimistic about USA – we should focus on China.

  7. Elmi, walaal I totally agree with you with this generation that is speaking for us. There are so many young men and women who are politically educated in the western world who can challenge and talk to these American Senior officers. That's the problem our elders do not want the young generation to get involved they want it for themselves…sad Insha-Allah khayr bay noqon.

    My other other argument is: I read people's comments and opinions and all i see everyday is you guys criticizing the writers or those who are doing something for the country. Instead of criticizing why not do something and take actions by write to your local MP's, Mayors, Governors and get their attention. It's local election season people in US so get out and talk to these guys, educate them on the progress SL has made so far. Tell them you will support them with the elections by inviting them to local community meetings which will benefit you guys locally in the community and may be Somaliland.
    Let's stop this oral BS and start doing some actions my fellow brothers and sisters……..We are all in NA for a reason and that is to make something out of ourselves and country (Somaliland).

  8. Good point, Trible 'A'. I hope people will listen and are willing to participate in the nation building of Somaliland. Raqba waa ku raggee and if we don't help ourselves, nobody will help us.

    I think all Somaliland Communities around the global should network and make connection for the common good of our country because united we build strength and resources. Do one thing at a time.