Somaliland upbeat about relations with Ethiopia

In the aftermath of a visit to Addis Ababa by President Muhammad Ibrahim Egal, the self-declared republic of Somaliland has hailed its relations with Ethiopia, saying they have been improving "right from the beginning".

Somaliland's Information Minister Abdullahi Muhammad Du'ale told IRIN on Thursday that Egal had been invited to Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi last month, a move aimed at "highlighting and further enhancing our relations and close cooperation".

Ethiopia, which has been landlocked ever since neighbouring Eritrea gained independence in 1993, was interested in using the Somaliland port of Berbera, Du'ale told IRIN. He confirmed that the authorities had offered Ethiopia use of the port facilities. Other issues discussed by the two sides included commerce, security and upgrading the road linking Ethiopia to Somaliland.

"We are very happy with our relations with Ethiopia," Du'ale added. He said Ethiopia would soon open a diplomatic mission in Hargeysa, complementing a commercial office which was already in operation.

Egal arrived back from Ethiopia at the end of March, describing his visit as a success. His entourage included his wife, the ministers of foreign affairs and education, and the governor of Somaliland Bank.

According to Radio Hargeysa, Egal also met the British ambassador to Ethiopia for talks on bilateral relations, security and counter-terrorism measures.

A British immigration delegation has been visiting Somaliland for talks on repatriating refugees currently in the United Kingdom, the radio said. Somaliland's Vice-President Dahir Riyale Kahin told the British officials that while the region was keen to see the return of its people, "it is not the time for Somaliland to be burdened with more people".

"Unless this country gets international recognition, which could open the gates for international aid and foreign relations, it is not possible for these people to be returned home," Kahin said. He stressed that he could not, at this time, discuss the issue of further repatriations, although refugees were still returning from Ethiopia, Kenya and Yemen.