Michael Keating holds talks with Somaliland leaders

A delegation led by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) on Monday visited Hargeisa, Somaliland and held talks with Somaliland President, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo and members of his Cabinet.

It was the envoy’s second visit to Somaliland since he was appointed to lead the UN office in Somalia on November 2015.

The two sides discussed a range of issues including the drought situation in Somaliland, elections and development in the breakaway republic. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Keating said the purpose of their visit was to expand UN’s role in helping the drought-affected people of Somaliland.

He appreciated the warm reception he received from the Somaliland authorities.

Somaliland foreign minister Dr Sa’ad Ali Shire said the UN Envoy and President Silanyo also talked about bolstering of relations and cooperation between Somaliland and the UN.