Rayaale leads Somaliland delegation to Europe-
Makes stop over visit to Ethiopia

By Moha Dahir Farah Jire

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia- Somaliland president Rayaale on Wednesday held talks with Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi when he made a stop to Ethiopia on route to Europe.

Meeting with prime Minster Meles at Bole International Airport Rayaale discussed with the on the relations between Somaliland and Ethiopia and on further ways whereby relations could be bolstered. In addition the two leaders discussed on the region’s peace and security situation.

In addition the Somaliland delegation had also held talks with the ambassadors of England and America to Ethiopia, Mr. Bob Dewar and Donald Yomamoto and other officials. In it the president discussed about the upcoming Somaliland presidential elections where ambassador Bob Dewar promised Britain’s support to fund elections. On his part ambassador Yomamoto stated America’s plan to restart relations with Somaliland and praised president Rayaale and his government’s efforts towards achieving a peace and advised The foreign affairs Minister of Somaliland Mr. Abdilahi Mohamed Duale told SSI Rayaale’s trip to Europe will be very successful for Somaliland and would focus a lot in showing the west Somaliland’s push for recognition. The delegation after leaving Addis Ababa left for Sweden in response to the invitation extended to it by the Swedish government.

The president of Somaliland is accompanied on his trip by the First lady of Somaliland, the foreign affairs minister, the presidential spokesman and other high ranking officials of the government.•