The government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) engaged in the 30-year Berbera concession with the consent of previous Somali government, UAE Foreign Ministry said.
The current looming diplomatic tiff could be trace back to the controversial Berbera port deal inked by DP World, a Dubai based Company and the Self-declared Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia.
UAE’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash said the Somali government leaders had full information about Dubai’s aim to sign the pact with the unrecognized Somalia’s northern region.
“There had been mutual understanding indicating unity of Somalia but despite that, there was possibility of working with Somaliland, a former British colony over development, humanitarian etc.”, said Gargash.
The minister has pointed out that the relations between the two countries has been deteriorating since Somalia’s last election.
“We had an understanding with the former governments but now we believe that last year’s election has formed an alliance which is (probably) among the coalitions in the region and that had an impact on Somalia,” Gargash noted.
Somalia has banned the DP World Company from working in Somalia after it accused of infringement, the move dismissed by both DP World and Somaliland.
The deal with DP World and the planned development of Berbera would help landlocked Ethiopia secure an additional logistical gateway for its expanding import and export trade.
Somaliland declared itself independence but has not yet received any international recognition.
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