The Voice Of Somaliland: NEWS RELEASE

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

NEWS RELEASE

TOP SOMALILAND POLITICIAN COMES TO CARDIFF

28 February 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The chair and the director of the Somali Advice and Information Centre have today (Tuesday) announced that Rt Hon Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, Speaker of Somaliland’s House of Representatives, is to arrive today in Cardiff.

Mr Abdillahi is to attend the royal opening of the new Welsh National Assembly building tomorrow (Wednesday) and will dine with The Queen in a reception for visiting dignitaries.

During his four day visit, Mr Abdillahi will also meet residents and their representatives of Cardiff’s Somaliland community, Welsh Assembly Members, and representatives of Welsh NGOs. He will also learn some of the political systems at the National Assembly and will attend Friday Prayer.

On Thursday, Mr Abdillahi will join a consultation seminar on the Welsh Assembly’s International Sustainable Development framework. Hosted by the Somali Advice and Information Centre, and in association with the Welsh Assembly Government, the consultations have been specifically arranged to provide an opportunity for the Somaliland community to have an input into the Assembly’s new policy on sustainable development.

Mr Abdikarim Abdi Adan, director of the Somali Advice and Information Centre, who is helping to organise the trip, said: ”This is an historic visit. This is Mr Abdillahi’s first official overseas visit since elected parliamentarian and as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We are very happy with the response from our community from both the young and the old, who are volunteering to help in any way possible.

“We are very proud to lead and manage the forthcoming historical tour of the UK by Somaliland Parliamentary Delegation.

Mr Ahmed Hassan Arwo, chairman of the Somali Advice and Information Centre, said: “We are extremely honoured that our association once more has successfully lobbied for this great invitation, which will offer good governance and practical experience to the newly-elected Somaliland Parliament. Our success is shared by all UK Somaliland Communities in different cities and counties.

“We always strive to build a fruitful bridge between our home country and our adopted nation. This visit will inject a huge experience to enhance the performance of the new born democracy, learning from the mother of all parliaments, the British Parliament. I wish to express our appreciation and extend our congratulations to the Welsh Assembly Parliament and to Westminster Parliament for making this historical event a reality.

"Cardiff’s Somaliland community welcome this milestone visit, which will present them an opportunity to meet political leaders of their home country. They spelled loud and clear their gratitude and delight, with the successful efforts of Somali Advice and Information Centre in undertaking this landmark tour.”

.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

EVENT SCHEDULE

February 28
Arrival at Gatwick and travel to Cardiff
March 1
Attends the official opening of the Welsh Assembly building
Seminar consultation with Assembly’s International Sustainable Development
March 2
Possible meeting with Lord Mayor of Cardiff (not confirmed)
Meeting Wales based NGOs hosted by Wales Centre for International Affairs
Meeting with Assembly Members
General meeting with the Cardiff Somaliland community
March 3
Presentation of the work of the Welsh Local Government Association
Friday Prayer
Meeting with Assembly Parliamentary Team and introduction to committee systems
Meeting with Bristol Somaliland community on the way to London

For further details or to arrange photo opportunities, please contact the following people:-

Mr Abdikarim Abdi Adan
Director, Somali Advice and Information Centre
Tel: 02920 499916 Mobile: 07974 120862
Email: abdikarim@somalilandchamberofcommerce.com
aka_adan@yahoo.co.uk

Mr Ahmed Hassan Arwo
Chairman, Somali Advice and Information Centre
Email: ahmed_arwo@yahoo.co.uk

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF SOMALILAND PARLIAMENTARY TOUR OF UK 2006

SOMALI ADVICE & INFORMATION CENTRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH UK REPRESENTATIVE OF SOMALILAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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