Dubai (Alshahid)-The President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamoud Silanyo met in Dubai Thursday and agreed to continue talks on mutual relationship.

The meeting, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, was the first in 21 years.

Mogadishu wants Somaliland to be part of a single Somali state. But the northern territory, which broke away in 1991, wants to be a separate country and is awaiting international recognition.

“This is a breakthrough and we are happy that our brothers in the north want to speak and negotiate,” said President Sharif.

“As you know, all Somalis come from the same ethnic background, speak the same language and practice the same religion. So we are looking for solutions that satisfy all the segments of Somalia. Such negotiations need time and we hope it will succeed.” he added

The two men signed the “Dubai Charter” in the presence of the leaders of Puntland and Galmudug, two self-proclaimed autonomous regions in Somalia.

The charter follows talks in London and Istanbul earlier this year and reinforces international efforts for reconciliation among all Somali parties.