Is it a political partnership?We are looking for a couple of things: economic cooperation. We have commercial validity of oil and gas in our country and also we have a long coast for fishing and maritime resources. Looking for potential investment. I think many countries are interested in funding. So that we can discuss how we can manage this wealth. We are interested in creating jobs in our country for the young people.Why [is your country] you called Somaliland?We were two independent states since 1960. We were colonised by Italy. We have a legal state.What do you think of Arab countries?This is our first mission and we will [also be in] contact [with] Kuwait which also invited us for this purpose. We [will] talk with the foreign minister [about] the Kuwaiti fund.What do you think is the position of the UAE [about your countrys] investment [and] political situation?Weve had from Emirati leaders [a] very positive position and [they] appreciate that Somaliland is peaceful, stable and democratic state. We are [totally opposite from] Somalia.[Hows] your relation with Somalia?We always [wanted to engaged in] dialogue with Somalia government, but the problem is that we [dont] have [a] unified group to dialogue with. There are many groups fighting [for supremacy] as you know, fundamentalists trying to maintain power by force, pirates. When we find one unified group to talk [to], we are willing to talk and dialogue because we want really to have a good relation with Somalia.There are countries [that are similar to] your situation like [South] Sudan or other countries, do you take these countries as examples for you?Why not. Eretria was part of Ethiopia for more than 50 years and then they became independent and also South Sudan which now will be an active member in the international community.Do you feel that you are distinguished by democracy from Somalia?I can say that we have parliament that has been elected by the people. We have three political parties. Our population is about four millions. We have election [every] five years.[Hows] your relation with the Arab League?We sent a letter to the Arab League to be a member, but they replied us let us wait for Somalia. The Arab League doesnt want to create more states. When there will be stability in Somalia, we can discuss that. The priority for us [is the] stability [of our country] then economic development and political diplomacy.What is your relation with surrounding countries?We live peacefully with Ethiopia which [has] about eight million population. We have many treaties with them. Also with Djibouti, good relationships. The other neighbours [like] Somalia we have some problems. Some terrorists and pirates coming to our seas and land [and] cause trouble.What are your main resources?Oil and gas are the most important resources for us. We are now drilling and exporting oil and gas. And many oil countries come to us to exploit. There are many western and Arab and Gulf countries [that] want to fund and invest. We need other countries to come and invest because oil and gas need much money.Which countries do you want to develop relations?We are interested in developing relations with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Our aim is to [develop] good relationship with Egypt which is the biggest country in the Arab world. But Egypt wants a big Somalia unified [with] Ethiopia because of the problem [with] water. Ethiopia has a big power on the source of water. We can understand that, but at the same time we want Egypt to understand us also. Therefore I am trying to make contact with Egypt.
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 00:47:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015