The president and his entourage including several ministers are schedule to hold talks with the host government officials including Prime Minister Meles Zenawi ahead of the upcoming Somalia meeting, according to the presidential press service.

The meeting will be attended by several key personalities from the African Union, IGAD and Somali officials.

Meanwhile, the president has congratulated the Somali public on the occasion of the 52^ndanniversary of the independence of northern Somalia regions which gained their independence on 26 June 1960.

The president said the day marks a significant day in the history of the country, adding that he was delighted with the recent talks between his government and the secessionist Somaliland administration.