Rayale Holds Talks With Norwegian ‎Minister For International Cooperation

Oslo , Norway , December 17, 2005 (SL Times) – Somaliland president Dahir Rayale Kahin on Friday held talks with Norwegian minister for International Cooperation, Mr. Eirik Solheim, in Oslo.

The Somaliland leader requested the Norwegian government to assist his country's efforts for the development of its education, health and energy sectors.

Mr. Rayale pointed out that Somaliland needs external assistance in enabling it exploit its natural resources such as oil and gas.

On Thursday, the Somaliland president paid a visit to Stavanger , in the oil rich region of Rogland. The president was received by the city's mayor and later held talks with oil executives.

Mr. Rayale returned to Oslo on Friday and is expected to meet with members of the Somaliland community at a large reception to be staged in his honor today.

Mr. Rayale arrived in Norway last Wednesday in the first leg of a European tour that was also expected to take him to Germany and Belgium . He left Hargeisa on last Saturday for Addis Ababa where on Tuesday he met with Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi.

President Rayale is expected to visit the EU's headquarters in Brussels next week.

At least one source has told the Somaliland Times that when visiting Germany Mr. Rayale will raise the question of German investment in mining of gemstones in Somaliland .

According to this source, the president might invite some experts to do some mining work in Somaliland . He will also seize the opportunity to undergo a medical check up.

Though the president shortly before his departure from Hargeysa had denied he was ill, there were reports that he was going to Germany for treatment from a kidney ailment.

However, Mr. Rayale told reporters that he may have only several dental implants while in Germany .

President Dahir Rayale being welcomed by Somaliland Norwegian community at Oslo Airport

President Dahir Rayale and his wife Huda Barkhad and Minister of Informatiom Dualle (left) and Water & Minerals Minister Qassim Sh Yussuf (right) with Somaliland community leaders at Oslo Airport on the President's arrival in Norway