Nicholas Kay concludes his visit to Hargeisa, pledges to support Somaliland’s priorities

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Kay who is in a visit to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, pledged to step up the world body’s support for peace and progress in Somaliland.

Speaking at a press conference today – alongside Somaliland’s minister for Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Mohamed Bihi Yonis – Kay expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality that he received during his stay in Hargeisa.

He announced that it’s the right time the UN can do a lot for Somaliland and that the ties to be in the right track despite the wrangles that erupted between the two sides. Reiterating that the United Nations is determined to assist areas that Somaliland has prioritized.

“I have learnt allot about Somaliland achievements…the next steps will be further visits, and strengthen our presence on the ground…so that we can support Somaliland’s priorities and respond better to its needs” he said.

He stated that UN is committed to assist people to live in peace and prosperity while respecting the rights of individuals.

On his side, Somaliland foreign affairs minister Mohamed Bihi said, that Somaliland leaders spelled out to Mr. Kay that Somaliland is a peace loving country and is committed to resolve conflicts in peaceful means, revealing that that they appealed to Mr. Kay to assist Somaliland on issues among them media, law and women’s affairs.

The top United Nations envoy to Somalia(SRSG) reached Hargeisa on Monday, where he held talks with Somaliland leaders on issues ranging from peace in the country, talks in Turkey between Somali federal government and Somaliland and territorial disputes with Khatumo state, and Puntland.