Somaliland, UK sign 2nd phase of SDF

Hargeisa, Sep 9 (Somaliland.com) – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, HE Muse Bihi Abdi, today received at the presidential palace a delegation led by the British Ambassador to Somalia, Amb. Ben Fender.

The President’s meeting with the British delegation was focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Somaliland and the UK, regional security, elections, development projects and talks between Somaliland and Somalia.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland thanked the British government for its wide support to Somaliland, saying that Somaliland is committed to strengthening international relations.

On the other hand, the delegation commended Somaliland’s progress in holding elections and the willingness of both opposition and the government for the democratic process in elections.

Finally, the President and CEO of the UK Agency for International Development (DFID) Damon Bristow signed the second phase of British aid to the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) to fund development projects in the country, and also signed a separate agreement to develop Somaliland’s energy resources.

The meeting was also attended by the several ministers including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Finance Development and the President’s consultant on economic affairs and the delegation consisted of the ambassador, head of the UK office in Hargeisa and the DFID representative in Somaliland.