Africa Review
Saturday, March 31, 2012
A Turkish delegation has visited Hargeisa, the self-declared
republic of Somaliland in what it said was to strengthen existing
relations by providing technical and social aid.
An
international flight by national carrier Turkish Airlines, which started
plying the Mogadishu route earlier this month, is also planned, the
delegation said.
It is the second such visit to by Turkish officials in two weeks to Somaliland, which is not recognised internationally.
Turkish
Ambassador to Somalia Hani Torun, the leader of the delegation, said
that Turkey and Somaliland enjoyed strong relations.
“Our
assistance will have impact on agriculture, health and education," he
said, adding that an assessment team from his country was due in
Hargeisa soon to determine the sectors to be targeted.
"Upcoming investments will include international flight to Somaliland by Turkish Airlines," he said without setting a date.
Turkey will assist Somaliland to repair the general hospital in Hargeisa and two schools teaching Turkish curriculum.
Archaeological
and historical sites in Somaliland with links to the Ottoman Empire
that ruled the northern regions of Somalia in the 18th century would
also benefit.
The ambassador visited the port town of
Berbera on the Gulf of Aden that hosts historical sites like mosques and
other ancient buildings from the days of the empire.