Hargeysa, Somaliland, May 8, 2008 - The President of Somaliland, President Dahir Rayale Kahin yesterday received a delegation of British diplomats from the United Kingdom's embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to communique issued by the President's press office, President Rayale met with a delegation led by the United Kingdom's deputy ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr. John Marshall and Mr. Colin Leeman, a senior diplomat at the embassy.

The British diplomats are on a short visit to Somaliland to discuss issues relating to the strong relationship between both countries.

Mr. John Marshall, the deputy ambassador, thanked the government of Somaliland, members of the Somaliland authorities and the people of Somaliland for the warm welcome afforded to the delegation during their short visit to the country.

Mr. Marshall declared that the United Kingdom government is ready to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and its peoples. Mr. Marshall also stated Somaliland should be commended for its achievements during the last seventeen years, including the implementation of free and fair elections which are an example to many countries across the region.

In conclusion, Mr. John Marshall, the United Kingdom's deputy ambassador to Ethiopia, stated that his government is ready to support Somaliland's efforts for good governance, economic and democratic development.

Responding to the diplomat’s brief remarks, President Rayale spoke about the historic relationship between the United Kingdom and the people of Somaliland. President Rayale stated that Somaliland is proud to be considered one of the new emerging nations in Africa which are embracing democracy and good governance. President Rayale stated that Somaliland will continue on its path of democratisation whilst at the same time safeguarding its independence, constitution and sovereignty.

Finally, President Rayale thanked the people and the government of the United Kingdom for their continued support of Somaliland and its people.

Attending the meeting were the Somaliland Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Saeed Mohamed Nur and the Somaliland representative in Ethiopia, Mohamed Hassan Nur.

Omar Mohamed Farah
Hargeisa