By Moha Dahir Farah Jire

HARGIESA, Somaliland, July 27, 2007 - Somaliland diaspora visiting Somaliland for summer vacation were invited to a dinner ceremony by the president of Somaliland Dahir Rayale Kahin at the Mansoor hotel to discuss issues relating to the contributions made by the Diaspora financially as well as the campaign led by them to achieve the Horn of African country’s recognition cause.

The dinner that brought together some 180 Somaliland diaspora from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Scandinavian countries had dinner with other Somaliland officials that included the ministers of Finance, Cabinet, Interior, National Planning, Industries, the mayor of Hargeysa and other officials from the Somaliland government.

Mr. Said Adani Moge, presidential spokesperson on the occasion thanked the invitees on behalf of the president to the numerous contributions they had made towards the rebuilding of the state of Somaliland.

“I would like to remind everybody of the advice of president Rayale to the diaspora to continue to have good communications and continue to be beacons of strength for Somaliland’s independence”, said the spokesperson.

Mr. Awil Ali Duale the minister of finance on his part praised the Somaliland Diaspora for their efforts towards supporting their families in the country by sending remittances and their continued support of the Somaliland government. “We cannot afford to create and give jobs to everyone in Somaliland so we are really proud of you the Diaspora for your support in rebuilding Somaliland since 1991. when we got back our independence from Somalia, all buildings were destroyed but now believe me no one can believe the pace of progress we have achieved at this short period of time”, said the minister. Minister Awil concluded his speech by promising that the government will do everything possible to accommodate the Somaliland diaspora.

Mr. Abdurahman Sheikh Hussein representative of the Somaliland diaspora lauded the government’s efforts and initiative saying that it was important to have such open meetings with the government and understand the whole situation of Somaliland so that when the Diaspora go back they can at least know what to do and where to start things for the future of the nation.

Source: The Sub-Saharan Informer