Addis Ababa, April 4, 2007 – President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said friendly relations between Ethiopia and Somaliland would further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Receiving a parliamentary delegation led by Somaliland Parliament, Speaker Abdurahiman Mohammed Abdillahi yesterday, President Girma said the smooth relations between the two countries plays considerable role in their joint anti-poverty struggle.

President Girma also expressed conviction that members of the Somaliland Parliament would draw useful lessons from their discussion with Ethiopian parliamentarians.

The robust cooperation Ethiopia and the Somaliland have been enjoying has facilitated ways for free movement of peoples of the two countries, members of the delegation said.

They also said that they would be satisfied if Ethiopia upgrades its trade office in Hargeisa to the level of diplomatic mission.

Members of the delegation told President Girma that opposition political parties and the ruling party are working in harmony for the common good of the country, according to a senior government official who attended the talks.

Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives, Ambassador Teshome Toga also said Ethiopia is desirous of further strengthening its bilateral relations with Somaliland.

Conferring with the parliamentary delegation yesterday, Ambassador Teshome said the two countries have been enjoying excellent relations in trade, air transport, seaport, and infrastructure and security fields.

The Ethiopian Parliament is desirous of further bolstering the existing multifaceted relations between Ethiopia and Somaliland, he said.

The Somaliland Parliament has demonstrated readiness to draw lessons from its Ethiopian counterpart, Ambassador Teshome said, and expressed the House's readiness to share its experiences on parliamentary structure and procedures.

Ambassador Teshome recalled on the occasion that visits and experience-sharing forums have been held previously by the executive bodies.

The decision of the Somaliland Parliament to forge strong relations with Ethiopia emanated from its conviction that Ethiopia is the closest neighbor of Somaliland in East Africa, he said.

Ambassador Teshome on the occasion expressed the parliament's deep appreciation and concern for the people and administration of the Somaliland.

The Speaker also briefed the delegation on the self-defence measures Ethiopia has taken over the extremist forces that had been sheltered in Somalia.

Speaker of the Somaliland Parliament, Abdurrahman Mohamed said the discussions held with Ethiopian parliamentarians were constructive and fruitful as well.

He said the two parliaments have reached an agreement on ways of cementing strong relations in the future.