Seattle (Qarannews)-Thursday brought the departure of a strong Somaliland delegation. The delegation left for Djibouti to take part in an investment forum organized by the French Government in the Republic of Djibouti. It was reported last week that Somaliland received an official invitation to participate in this international conference. Leading the delegation is the Minister of National Planning and Coordination of International Agencies, Mr. Ali Ibrahim. The French government has the opinion that strong Somaliland relations will prevent Somali pirates from attacking the Horn region.

The investment forum organized by the French Government intends to introduce French companies and their products to the nations of the Horn in Djibouti. They are also planning to direct French foreign investment strategy.

This investment forum, which  held on March 13 to March 16,  follow another forum held in Paris last year to which Somaliland was also invited and was attended by Somaliland diplomats from the EU region.

During this year’s forum in Djibouti, many French companies are expected to present expositions. Also expected to be in attendance are French government officials including several parliamentarians.

After the closure of the forum in Djibouti, a senatorial delegation attending this year’s investment forum is expected to visit Somaliland.

Minister of Planning Ali Ibrahim, informed reporters upon arrival at the airport that Somaliland will showcase its investment potential to the companies and governments at the investment forum. Accompanying him as part of the delegation is the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and officials of the ministry of commerce. Other Somaliland officials already in Djibouti  also took part in the forum.

It has been learned that the Djibouti President Ismail Omer Gulleid is doing everything he can to push for Somaliland to receive the international attention and recognition. The Somaliland President Dahir Rayale Kahin is also working relentlessly is make his country an international stage. During his last visit to the United Kingdom, President Dahir Rayale Kahin met with the highest British officials in London.