MOGADISHU (SD) – Somalia and UK governments have discussed bilateral relations amid UK parliament debates on recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

In a statement, Somali foreign ministry said minister Abdisaid Muse Ali and UK Africa minister, Vicky Ford discussed UK’s multifaceted support to Somalia including on critical humanitarian assistance.

the minister also talked about security and economic cooperation, and exchanged views on political developments in the Horn of Africa.

Ali thanked the U.K government for their enormous contribution to Somalia.

 He emphasized that Somalia remains firmly committed to strengthening bilateral relations with the U.K. based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.

The development comes as UK parliament debates on the recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

The debate follows a series of discussions held by the UK local governments on the recognition of Somaliland.

Somaliland formerly known as northern Somalia regions declared to have broken away from the rest of Somalia in 1991 after the fall of the country’s central government led by the late Mohamed Siyad Barre.