President Silanyo’s Successful Visit to France
Paris, 25 Jan 2014 (SDN) –Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud “Silanyo” in his first official visit to France, since he came to power 3 years ago has opened a new chapter in the diplomatic relations between the Somaliland and France.
Foreign Minister Mohamed Yonis Bihi told the media that the president and his delegation had official meetings with Foreign Minister of France and his senior foreign ministry officials as well as members of the French Senate. Elaborating this Mr. Bihi said, “President Silanyo briefed French Officials on the current situation on the ground in Somaliland, its cause, the ongoing Somaliland/Somalia dialogue, the achievements Somaliland has released in the last two decades and the aspiration of its people.”
The Minister added the president requested the French government to support Somaliland develop its economic, to invest in the country, to have a cultural exchanges and as one of the powers to support the dialogue between Somaliland/Somalia. French Foreign Minister according to statement by Mr. Bihi commanded Somaliland for its democratization, achievements, security and good cooperation and relations with neighboring countries.
The President and his delegation were also warmly received by members of French Senate with whom they discussed issue pertaining about Somaliland’s democracy, development and security. “At the end of the discussion the senators told the president that they are very happy with Somaliland relation with its neighbors such as Ethiopia with which France has good relations. A senate delegation will also visit Somaliland in the near future to enhance the good relation between the two countries, which will revive the relation between the two countries during the first and second World Wars .” said Somaliland Foreign Minister.
The Presidential Delegation at a dinner reception held aboard a ship by Bollore Company discussed about their project in Somaliland. President Silanyo during his visit had a meeting with Somaliland community in France. In a speech at reception thanked the community for the warm reception he was given and commanded them.
The Foreign Minister added quoting the president said “I am overjoyed with the unity you have shown. I hope that other Somaliland communities abroad will follow your example of unity you have shown. I assure you that Somaliland’s independence is non-negotiable and that the dialogue with Somalia will not alter the position and stand of the people of Somaliland. In 1960, due to the fever of unity and formation of Greater Somalia the people merged with Somalia. All the other territories have taken a separate road. Somaliland’s reclamation of its independence is a foregone conclusion. We are ready to co-exist and have good relations as neighbors with Somalia. We can fight piracy and terrorism but never unity again.”
President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo on his arrival in Paris on Sunday told Somaliland National Television that during his visit he and his delegation hope to revive enhancing the economic development of Somaliland, the cooperation between the two countries in different fields and spoke about the achievements of his administration since he came to power, which he hoped will continue, although the country has not been recognized yet.
SDN Paris