US Ambassador Richard H. Riley said that the Republic of Somaliland is not only a leader in democracy in the Horn of Africa, but is a pioneer and model for the entire African continent and the world.
The sentiments were expressed by Amb. Richard H. Riley in a speech he delivered at the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi (Cirro), and conveyed US President Joe Biden personal message of congratulations to Somaliland for perfecting democracy and holding of the free elections held in Somaliland.
The nation used biometrics technology in identifying the voters, something even major countries have not adopted.
The Ambassador promised that the US government will work with the new President of the Republic of Somaliland, and is happy to cooperate with Somaliland to further the bilateral relations.
Richard H. Riley also thanked the former President of Somaliland, His Excellency Musa Bihi Abdi, and the people of Somaliland.
US Ambassador Richard H. Riley, speaking on the excellent status of democracy reached by the people and nation of Somaliland, said, “The people of Somaliland have become an example of democracy and are ahead of the Horn of Africa, not only ahead of the Region but also an example and pioneer for the whole of Africa and the world. We are proud to be friends and future partners of Somaliland.”
The US ambassador spoke on behalf of all the diplomatic corps in attendance.
On the other hand, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi (Irro), after the handover of office, held meetings with some of the ambassadors and leaders from the international community who attended the handover of office of the new President of Somaliland.
The President of the Somaliland Republic, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi (Cirro), met with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Mr. Richard H. Riley, accompanied by the Commander of the US Forces in Africa.
The US Ambassador congratulated the new president on his inauguration as the President of Somaliland on Thursday. The US Ambassador also briefed the new president on the importance of the United States in strengthening its relations with Somaliland.
Ambassador Richard H. Riley specifically emphasized that the United States plans to establish security cooperation with Somaliland.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillaahi Cirro, has also expressed his readiness to further strengthen the relationship between Somaliland and the United States.
The Head of State earlier this month held a similar meeting with the same US Ambassador, Ambassador Richard H. Riley, accompanied by AFRICOM commanders.
The President posted a statement on his website stating that the US Ambassador discussed ways to further strengthen the relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the United States. The statement reads as follows: “Today I received a large delegation led by the US Ambassador, Ambassador Richard H. Riley, accompanied by AFRICOM commanders. We had an in-depth discussion with the delegation on ways to further strengthen the relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the United States.
“In addition, the US Ambassador conveyed to us a message of congratulations from his US government. The elections in the Republic of Somaliland held on November 13th were elections that have greatly attracted the attention of the world to our country, and will attract international investment opportunities.”
