KUWAIT CITY -– The Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah received a visiting Somaliland delegation on Thursday led by the President for security and development talks. Both leaders emphasized the potential to expand ties between the two nations.
President Ahmed M. Silanyo expressed Somaliland’s appreciation of the Kuwaiti government’s continued support in a number of fields including hospitals and the ongoing airport projects. The President briefed his hosts about the ongoing situation in Somaliland. He discussed Somaliland’s commitment to stability, development and its role in the region.
Mr Silanyo spoke of the recent changes in the country and his government’s efforts to promote new policies. He spoke of Somaliland requiring investment and interest from the international community in particular Kuwait and the GCC states. He urged Kuwait to support them with development, direct investment and technical assistance.
Sheikh Dr Mohammad made it clear that the State of Kuwait is ready to push forward with mutually beneficial cooperation and bilateral ties. He added that his government will play its part in supporting the continued development of Somaliland and will introduce more projects to enhance security and improve living standards. He stressed the need to combat elements of insecurity including the issue of maritime piracy off the coast of neighbouring Somalia.
Kuwait Fund
President Silanyo and his delegation also met with Mr. Abdulwahab Al-Bader, the Director-General of the state-run Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), at his office in Kuwait city. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and development projects in Somaliland. The President said while it’s grateful for Kuwait’s current projects which includes US$10 to rehabilitate two airports, it hopes more financial assistance will be forthcoming. KFAED said it stands ready to continue to play its part.
A statement from the Presidential Office said the visiting Somaliland delegation boarded a private helicopter on Wednesday for a short flight to the Emir’s private garden where they were invited for a lunch. They did not disclose if they met with the Emir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.
Kuwait is roughly home to more than 4,000 Somalis from Somaliland who expressed their appreciation for the government of Kuwait.
Sources Somaliland
