News Tuesday, 30 March 2010
A Somaliland delegation consisting of senior ministers and parliamentarians visited the U.S. From March 20–28, 2010 as a result of a U.S. government invitation. The delegation included

Honorable Mr. Abdillahi Duale, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delegation leader,

Honorable Mr. Abdillahi Ali, Minister of the Interior

Honorable Mr. Ali Mohamed, Minister of National Planning

Honorable Mr. Osman Sh. .Abdi, Minister of Water and Mineral Resources

Honorable Mr. Said Jama Ali, Deputy Speaker of the House of Honorable Mr. Bashe Mohamed Farah, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

The visit was in line with periodic review of the relations between the two countries comprising a follow-up on pending issues and consultations on areas of mutual interest.

In addition to a meeting with senior officials of the National Security Council (NSC) in the Executive Building of the White House, the delegation had intensive discussions in multiple meetings with the leadership of the State Department’s Africa Bureau including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa. The meetings were also attended by senior officials from the Department of Defense and other relevant U.S. government bureaus and agencies. However, unlike previous meetings, the two sides explored Somaliland’s “political status” in the light of the Djibouti Peace Process with a view of shedding light on its applicability to the facts on the ground.

Regarding the generic areas of concern including threats to security, i.e. religious extremism, terrorism, piracy and the lack of adequate social and economic development, the Somaliland delegation presented in-depth comprehensive review of challenges the country is facing now as well as its urgent needs for safeguarding its security. The two sides discussed in detail ideas and plans deemed appropriate to meet Somaliland’s needs. The U.S. side pledged its support and agreed to the creation of a joint follow-up group to monitor progress made. The Somaliland delegation is pleased to note that the above discussions were among friends; they were cordial and constructive.

While in Washington, the delegation had discussions with a host of US-based private and non-profit organizations as well as multilateral donors such as USAID and the World Bank, to build relations with a view to establishing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. In particular, the delegation emphasized areas that have the greatest impact on people’s daily existence, such as clean potable water, improved agriculture, health, education and rural development.

The delegation concluded its official activities with a meeting with the Somaliland community in the Washington metropolitan area.

Dr. Saad Sh. Osman Noor,

Somaliland’s Representative to the United States.
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