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Washington, August 1, 2009 –
Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Abdillahi Mohamed Duale
was in a working visit in the U.S. during the period of July 13—24,
2009. The visit was in line with a periodic review of the relations
between the two countries comprising a follow-up on pending issues and
consultations on areas of mutual interest. The Minister was joined by
Dr. Saad Noor, Somaliland’s Representative to the U.S.
The Somaliland delegation was received first by the President Obama’s
advisor on Africa in the Executive building of the White House. It was
followed by a substantive meeting with Ambassador Johnnie Carson,
Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs and his senior staff
including Deputy Assistant Secretary for East and Central Africa. The
meeting was also attended by a high level official from the Department
of Defense.
The two sides explored the current situation in the Horn of Africa
region as well as the sub-region. Threats to security, i.e. religious
extremism, terrorism and piracy were thoroughly discussed. The
Somaliland side presented a comprehensive review of the challenges
Somaliland faces in this regard as well as its needs to safeguard its
security. Furthermore, the two sides discussed in detail Somaliland’s
need for social and economic development and the role the U.S. may play
to assist. Progress made thus far in Somaliland’s democratization
program was commended, and the two sides agreed on the need for its
successful completion. The U.S. side underlined the importance of
holding the presidential election scheduled to take place in Somaliland
in September 2009 on time. The Somaliland side concurred.
The Somaliland delegation is pleased to note that the above discussions
were among friends. They were cordial and constructive. The two sides
were in agreement; they were on the same page on all the issues
discussed. Therefore, contacts, consultations and visits will continue.
On the economic front, the delegation met with the Deputy Administrator
of USAID and his East Africa staff and the World Banks’ Director of
Operations and Strategic Planning. The purpose of the meetings was to
review assistance from the two donors with the view of having them
coordinate their programs for better results.
The delegation also met congressmen and senior advisors in the House and
the Senate. Likewise, it held meetings with a critical mass of policy
and development specialists including strategic planners, legal
scholars, academics and journalists.
At the end of its activities the delegation was the guest of honor in a
dinner and discussion event hosted by the Ambassador of South Africa in
Washington. Other guests included the ambassadors of the countries of
the South African Development Community (SADC). Earlier in the day the
delegation had a meeting with Uganda’s Foreign Minister and his
country’s ambassador to the U.S.
Dr. Saad Sheikh Osman Noor,
Somaliland’s Representative to the U.S.
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