Ministers Mohamed-foreign, Saad-Planning & Duur-Interior attend IGAD meetingBy: Yusuf M Hasan

ADDIS ABABA (Somalilandsun) – The nation has participated in an official capacity a meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-IGAD

The participation follows an official invitation from the East African countries development organization recognition of Somaliland's importance as a viable player in Horn Issues. During the meeting held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa the country's representatives were Dr Mohamed Abdilahi Omar minister of foreign affairs, Dr Saad Ali Shire Minister of planning and national coordination and Hon Duur Arale minister of Interior.

The meeting which was also attended by donors of IGAD based countries deliberated on development issues pertaining to uplifting living standards within IGAD members. IGAD and its donors agreed on the need to extend development activities thus attain ultimate goal of poverty reduction within the region.

In his address to the assembly Dr Saad Ali Shire thanked the countries and organizations that support various sectors for prevalent development achievements in the country, he also thanked IGAD for the official invitation which he termed as an approval and silent recognition of Somaliland by the regional body.

Foreign affairs minister Dr Mohamed Abdilahi said that Somaliland appreciates the invitation and will continue to uphold all the achievements it has garnered internally as well as in the international front. He also promised the country's full support for IGAD as its position is strong for utilization by the body especially in security and democratization in the Horn.

The IGAD secretary General Mr. Mahbuub Ma'alin said that the invitation of Somaliland to the meeting which will now be constant comes after an IGAD assessment mission to the country which he recently led.

He said that the assessment proved that Somaliland was a viable partner in all IGAD activities and though unrecognized internationally is worthy of inclusion as a full participant in IGAD meetings thus full beneficiary of development programs.