President Muse Bihi AbdiBihi expressed his honor at receiving United States Ambassador Richard H. Riley during his visit to the Republic of Somaliland.
During their discussions this week, they covered a range of topics including regional affairs, fostering cooperation in the Horn of Africa, the upcoming elections, and strengthening the relationship between Somaliland and the United States.
President Bihi stated that the meeting with Amb. Riley signifies the importance of diplomatic engagement and collaboration between the two entities.
The Ambassador was in Somaliland for the first time since starting his tour of duty.
Bihi informed the delegation about the elections slated for November pointing out that all the political parties and the people are in agreement of seeing to it that it is duly held as per cue.
He noted that the state has already facilitated, put in place and availed whatever incumbent upon it to have a successful elections to be held, saying that they have asserted all efforts directed towards it that are thereof required.
The President also briefed the ambassador on the security situation in the Horn of Africa, and highlighted the agreement struck between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia, noting that what the two countries have agreed upon is their entitlement and for their own good and developmental positive progressive interests.
Furthermore, he explained, the venture in the MoU would fledge development of the region as whole and in par with the targeted millennial goals that are only a plus for all given that it will increase economic, security and trade cooperation.
The President observed that the nation of Somaliland has experience pacification and addressing of any conflicts within it, and that it always finds a peaceful management solution.
He made it clear that the insinuation by Mogadishu al Shabab menace will expand if the MoU made with Ethiopia becomes successful is not tenable since the security cooperation would be further bolster peaceful stability.
He maintained that Somaliland is always for bilateral relations peaceful cooperation with any entity hence it is steadfast in its aspirations as per African Union Charter in safeguarding its territorial integrity as at independence.
The American ambassador stated that his government was ready for cooperation between Somaliland and the United States, and welcomes the progress and democracy that Somaliland has taken.
The President was flanked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Issa Keyd Mohamud.
The Ambassador was accompanied on his part by embassy officials Geoffrey Parker and Obermueller Martin.
