By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 29 Oct — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has for the first time publicly commented on Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s recent visit to the United States, insisting that Washington remains committed to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
In an interview with Sky News, Mohamud was asked whether Irro’s visit could have implications for Somaliland’s longstanding efforts to secure international recognition.
The Somali president said anyone could travel to the United States, obtain a visa, stay for a period of time and establish friendships and connections there, describing such activities as normal and not necessarily indicative of a political shift.
“Anyone can go to the United States, obtain a visa, stay there for a reasonable period of time and make friends,” Mohamud said.
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Addressing the possibility of Washington reconsidering its position on Somaliland’s recognition bid, Mohamud said the issue had remained on the table for 34 years, but the United States had not changed its position on Somalia’s unity.
“The US government has always respected Somalia’s unity and will continue to uphold that position, as it has pledged,” he said.
Mohamud also expressed appreciation to the United States for what he described as its consistent position in support of Somalia’s unity.
Irro travelled to Washington on 6 September. At the time, Somaliland’s presidency said the visit’s agenda focused on strengthening relations and cooperation between Somaliland and the United States.