Hargeysa, Somaliland, November 24, 2007 (SL Times)– Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdillahi Duale today 24 November extended, on behalf of the Somaliland government and people, its appreciation to the people and government of Uganda.

Foreign Minister   Duale said, "I avail myself of the opportunity to convey to our friends in Uganda and the Commonwealth, our warmest greetings and our appreciation, that the Somaliland delegation had the opportunity to meet with delegates on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Summit meetings in Kampala".

The Somaliland delegation includes, the Deputy Minister for Planning, Ahmed Hashi, the chairperson of UCID Party, Faisal Ali Warabe and Nur Salah Fagadhe, who is the Somaliland Foreign Ministry’s representative to France.

"I would like to re-iterate, the Somaliland delegation was in Kampala as part of Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to engage African and friendly states, international institutions such as the AU, UN, AL, OIC, and to brief them on current developments in Somaliland and the Horn. Our delegation was not in Kampala as observers of the Commonwealth Summit, as incorrectly reported in the media. Such dramatic media reporting undermines the truth and seeks to undermine Somaliland’s efforts to advance its stability and international relations. I urge all media to exercise the highest standards of accuracy and verification before publishing any related reports.” continued Minister Duale.

Minister Duale concluded, " Somaliland will continue to leave no stone untouched, via its governmental institutions, civil society, business sector and political parties, to advance its democracy and quest for recognition. Surrender is not an option.”  

Issued by  

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hargeysa, Somaliland

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs