HARGEISA(Kaab TV) -The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, who is also the Acting President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, today received at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Somaliland a large delegation from the Parliament of Sweden and senior officials from the coalition parties in power in that country, who are on an official visit to Somaliland.
According to the spokesperson Hussein Aadan Cige, the Vice President was accompanied in the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Abdirahman Daahir Aadan, and the Representative of Somaliland in Sweden, Mr. Zakariye Hassan Wacays.
The members of the delegation from Sweden were:
- Magnus Oscarsson (MP)
- Mikael Oscarsson (MP)
- Mathias Bengtsson (MP)
- Dan Hovskär (MP)
- Annicki Oscarsson (Party Official)
- Natalie Oscarsson (Party Official)
- Katrin Hovskär (Party Official)
- Mikael Torstensson (Special Envoy of Somaliland in Sweden) and his wife Elisabeth Torstensson.
The purpose of the delegation from the Parliament of Sweden was to observe the situation in Somaliland regarding social development, the process of democracy, the promotion of Somaliland’s recognition efforts, peace, good governance, investment, and the cooperation opportunities that could exist between the two countries, Somaliland and Sweden.
The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland warmly welcomed the delegation and thanked them for their visit to Somaliland.
The Vice President explained to the delegation from Sweden the historical background of Somaliland’s independence, and how the people of Somaliland, through a public referendum, irrevocably decided to reclaim their independence on 18 May 1991, following the collapse and destruction that resulted from the union between Somaliland and Somalia.
The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland deeply emphasized that Somaliland has fulfilled all the statehood requirements necessary for the international community to recognize the Republic of Somaliland.
The Vice President urged the Government and Parliament of Sweden to play their role in supporting and encouraging the international recognition of Somaliland, as it is a state that fully deserves recognition—built upon stability, peace, and a constitutional democratic system that Somaliland has maintained for 34 years.
On the other hand, the two sides discussed specifically:
The investment opportunities in Somaliland, such as the expansion of the Berbera Port, renewable energy, livestock, agriculture, fisheries, and the development of economic infrastructure.
Cooperation in social development matters, particularly in health, water, and education.
Humanitarian issues, with the Vice President noting the Government of Somaliland’s commitment to protecting human rights and caring for vulnerable groups.
The high-level delegation from Sweden expressed deep interest and understanding of the Somaliland issue, praising the Republic of Somaliland for its peace, stability, and democratic system. The delegation pledged to initiate serious debate and campaign within the Swedish Parliament about the right of the Republic of Somaliland to become an independent nation recognized by the international community.
The delegation also stated that they would strongly urge the Government of Sweden to formally recognize Somaliland and provide full support for social development and economic infrastructure projects in the country.
In conclusion, the Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland thanked the delegation for their visit and their interest in the Somaliland cause, emphasizing that the recognition of Somaliland is a matter rooted in justice and the legitimate rights of a people that cannot be ignored.
The Vice President, who is also the Acting President, underlined that the recognition of Somaliland is of great importance to the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region.
Somaliland was trying to get recognition and independent since 1991, Somaliland recently made many approaches towards getting full independent from Somalia and has made deals with Ethiopia and united Arab Emirates to improve their chances of becoming independent country.