Somaliland benefited from attending the London Conference in the following ways:
• President Silanyo was treated no differently from the head of a state of a recognized country. He held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, and the Development Minister, Andrew Mitchell on the eve of the Conference, 22 February 2012.
• At the conference, which was chaired by Prime Minister David Cameron, he also sat shoulder to shoulder with leaders from other countries in the conference. Several delegates made positive references to Somaliland in their speeches to the conference.
• President Silanyo had the opportunity to place on record before world leaders the desire of the Somaliland people to be recognized as an independent state. He called for “an international discussion about the future of Somaliland, launching a process leading to recognition of our state”, adding that “we are convinced that an internationally recognized Somaliland will be even better placed to contribute to a stable and peaceful Somalia.”
• The Somaliland President and Foreign Minister Omar had the opportunity to have bilateral meetings in the margins with the Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Denmark, Netherlands and Switzerland. Dr Omar also met US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Johnnie Carson.
• At a ceremony on 22 February, President Silanyo launched the Somaliland Development Corporation which will help attract foreign direct investment to Somaliland.
• Also on 22 February, and despite pouring rain in central London, the Somaliland Diaspora turned out in force for a rally in support of international recognition for Somaliland. In the presence of President Silanyo, the organizers handed in a letter to No 10 Downing St about international recognition for Somaliland.
• President Silanyo gave an interview to Al Jazeera English, prior to entering Lancaster House. The day before, the President also spoke to The Guardian and Reuters, whilst Foreign Minister Omar gave an interview to The Telegraph.
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