The Ethiopian Consul General, Berhe Tesfay(B/General), attends dinner Hosted by the President of Somaliland H.E Muse Bihi Abdi at the presidential palace, on 18th May 2018.
In his remarks, the Consul General extended his sincere congratulations to the people and government of Somaliland up on the occasion of the anniversary. He also appreciated an all round progress Somaliland made in all walks of life- political, economic and social which he sincerely hopes will be further strengthened under the leadership of President Muse Bihi. The Consul General dubbed Somaliland as an “oasis of peace and stability in otherwise turbulent region” and also hailed the latest round of presidential election which he claimed “demonstrated the political maturity of Somaliland”
The Consul General underscored that Ethiopia and Somaliland enjoyed closer security, economic and cultural ties and he called for more cooperation and collaboration to enhance the mutual benefit of the two brotherly people. He further elucidate that in this age of globalization swimming together is the only option for Ethiopia and Somaliland.
The Consul General also briefed about Ethiopia’s foreign policy orientation towards neighboring countries. He said, “We in Ethiopia consider that our relationship with our neighboring countries including Somaliland is precious; and is guided by principles of mutual benefit, trust and respect.” It is also understood that the Consul General conferred with the president and discussed issues of mutual concern.
Look the full speech of the Consul General
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of my government, the people of Ethiopia and that of my own let me first of all convey my heartfelt congratulation to the Government of Somaliland and to the people of Somaliland upon the occasion of the 27th Anniversary of the National Day of Somaliland.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
Since May 18 /1991, Somaliland has made remarkable progress in all walks of life- political economic and social Somaliland has become an oasis of peace and stability in otherwise turbulent region of the Horn of Africa characterized by terrorism, piracy and instability. Somaliland has also maintained cordial relations with its neighboring countries and has contributed to the peace and stability of the wider region. Politically, Somaliland is developing a democratic system. The latest presidential election has demonstrated the political maturity of Somaliland and I would like to express my appreciation for those outstanding achievements. I am also in no doubt that Somaliland will achieve even more under the leadership of my dear brother His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
As you all are aware, Ethiopia has always been very friendly and supportive to the betterment of the life of the people of Somaliland. We have enjoyed long-lasting ties. We share common border and identical people live on each side of the border and sharing the same socio-economic activities. Our relation is getting stronger from time to time in many areas including security, trade and capacity building.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In an era of Globalization and interdependence, there is no alternative to collaboration among countries of the world. Swimming together is also the only option for Somaliland and Ethiopia who have closer security, economic & cultural ties. We in Ethiopia consider that our relationship with our neighboring countries including Somaliland is precious and we pursue foreign policy on the basis of mutual benefit, trust and respect.
Finally, I would like to reassure my Government’s readiness to work with Somaliland to promote our all-round friendly cooperation to the benefit of both people.
SOURCE: HORNNEWSPAPER
