HARGEISA (SD) – The outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland, Essa Kayd, provided an update on the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that the former administration of President Bihi reached with Ethiopia and its status following an agreement between the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the President of Somalia on the same matter.

Essa Kayd stated that the copies of the MoU would be handed over to the new administration formed by President Irro to continue the completion of the agreement.

“This agreement concerns the values of the country and the people of Somaliland. It is not something that can be easily concluded. The understanding was signed by experts from both sides, and adjustments are needed to make sure it satisfies both nations and their people,” said the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland.

He added that the understanding was intended to benefit both parties, and they have strong legal backing for the agreement without any obstacles.

“There are no obstacles to this agreement. Our relationship with Ethiopia remains the same as before. We have been refining the MoU and its provisions to ensure it meets the necessary standards,” said Essa Kayd.

Essa Kayd mentioned that the documents related to the agreement had been handed over to President Irro and his administration.

“We have handed them over to President Irro and his administration, who will continue from there, making any necessary changes or additions,” he added.

He also noted that Somaliland is not concerned with the discussions held last week between the governments of Somalia and Ethiopia in Ankara, Turkey, mediated by President Erdogan.

“That meeting does not concern us. Whatever Somalia and Ethiopia agreed or did not agree on does not concern us. We are an independent country that decides its own future and whose borders cannot be dictated by others,” said Essa Kayd.

Essa Kayd dismissed claims by the Somali Minister of Information that Ethiopia had withdrawn from the agreement with Somaliland.

“Somalia’s sovereignty is their own business. We are Somaliland. Let Mogadishu become free from terrorism. They have no authority to dictate or claim Somaliland’s land and sea,” said the outgoing Foreign Minister of Somaliland.

He emphasized that since the agreement with Ethiopia, they have maintained good communication and progress.

“We have always communicated on these matters, regularly discussing and strengthening the agreement, and the new government of President Irro will continue from there,” he added.

Somali Minister of Information Daa’uud Aweys, speaking after the agreement between President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, dismissed the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland as nonexistent, which has raised doubts about its status.

“Clearly, the press release was misunderstood. It stated that all previous agreements were abandoned, indicating that no previous agreement exists,” said Somali Minister of Information Da’ud Aweys.