By Goth Mohamed Goth
H.E President Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Silanyo on Thursday received large delegation from Egypt led by Ambassador Mohamed Idris and Ambassador Walid Mohamed Ismail which included senior political, economic and security officials.
The visit of the Egyptian delegation comes in the wake of a recent visit by a Somaliland delegation to Egypt. The two sides engaged in a fruitful discussion which covered a broad range of topics of mutual interest and focused in particular on improving bilateral cooperation.
President Silanyo during the meeting was flanked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Saad Ali Shire, Minister of Commerce of Hussein Adam Egg, Minister of National Planning, Mr. Ali Hussein Jirde (Ali Shoonbe), Minister of Health Dr. Suleiman Isse Ahmed (Xaglotosiye), private secretary of the President Ali Ahmed Ali and Presidential advisor for press affairs, Khadar Ali.
After the meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador to Egypt for Somalia briefed the media.
Somaliland Minister of Foreign Minister and International cooperation Dr. Saad Ali Shire during the meeting reminded the Egyptian delegation of the historic and longstanding links that Egypt and Somaliland shared and looked forward to increased cooperation in the future.
The Egyptian Ambassador Walid Mohamed noted how pleased he was with the welcome he had received and pledged to provide increased aid to drought-affected areas in Somaliland. He also informed about new educational scholarship opportunities for Somaliland citizens, and Egypt’s intention to boost transport, maritime and commercial links with Somaliland. Ambassador Walid s declared “we are aware of the historical relations and we are here today to establish a new chapter which will enhance the relationship between the two countries”.
Dr. Saad Ali Shire welcomed the Ambassador’s remarks and looked forward to increasing cooperation with Egypt and revitalising the centuries-old trading partnership with Egypt, while also reaffirming the fact that “the Republic of Somaliland was an independent state before the union with Somalia and is determined to exercise its right as a sovereign state”.
