Ethiopian Somali State Delegation wraps up tour of the US!!

Jan 29, 2011

/January 29, 2011/ A high- level Ethiopian delegation of the Somali Regional State headed by His Excellency Mr. Abdi Mohamud Omar, President of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia which has held a historic conference, in Minneapolis, Minnesota here in the US, apprised members of the Somali state Ethiopian Diaspora on topical issues pertaining to peace, development, investment and the on-going Transformation and Growth Plan in the Regional State in particular and the country at large, wrapped up its tour and returned home today.

The four-man strong team which included the Chairman of the Ethiopian Somali Peoples' Democratic Party and the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic, Mr.Abdulfatah Sheik Abdullahi, and the Speaker of the Somali State Council, Mr. Mohamed Rashid Isak, made its maiden briefing to a packed audience of Ethiopian Diaspora congregation domiciling in and around the Minneapolis Metropolitan Area and other nearby satellite cities.

The high-powered delegation elaborated on the prevalence of peace and the conducive socio- economic and political environment that is investment- friendly obtaining in the region, and the impressive strides that Ethiopia has registered to-date in all fields. The delegation also dwelt at length on the on-going Growth and Transformation drive which is presently in full gear. The delegation also brought to the attention of the attendees the measures that have been put in place to facilitate and encourage Diaspora engagement in all ventures of national development, investment and the transfer of skill, knowledge, technology, expertise, professional and networking and other enabling resources. The delegation gave ample opportunity for the members of the Somali Diaspora Ethiopians to raise questions which were adequately answered.

Responses focused on concerns raised by the attendees pertaining to land ownership and use, investment opportunities, equitable economic development and good governance prevailing in the region. Particular reference was made to the peace that is holding sway in the region in the aftermath of the conclusion of the peace accord made between the Ethiopian government, on the one hand, and the Ogaden National Liberation Front and the United Western Somali Liberation Front on the other.

The members of the Diaspora expressed their readiness to take part in the nation building project and reiterated their support to the regional and federal governments for their effort to positively change the image of the region and the country.