Taiwan Deepens Ties with Somaliland: A Strategic Partnership Blossoms

Expanding Collaboration in Trade, Technology, and Development

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced a significant meeting between Foreign Minister [Name Withheld] and the new representative of Somaliland to Taipei, Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal. The meeting, held recently, highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

The Somaliland envoy presented his official letter of appointment, solidifying his role and marking a step forward in the diplomatic relationship. Galaal, appointed by the new Somaliland government, arrived in Taipei at the end of January.

During the meeting, [Foreign Minister's Name] warmly welcomed Galaal and expressed Taiwan's keenness to further collaboration across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, information and communication technologies, security, and energy resources.

Recognizing Somaliland as a key partner, Taiwan reaffirmed its willingness to share its expertise and innovative solutions to aid in the African territory's development. This sentiment was echoed by Galaal, who emphasized Somaliland's desire to collaborate with Taiwan on maritime security, energy resources, technology, and trade.

Galaal also expressed gratitude for Taiwan's financial contributions to vital infrastructure projects in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital. These include the expansion of the main road connecting Egal International Airport to the city center and the construction of a medical center at the Hargeisa Group Hospital. Taiwan committed significant funding to both projects.

The Somaliland representative brings extensive governmental experience, having previously led several ministries, including those related to health and planning, and served as the country's ambassador to Ethiopia. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and operates as a de facto sovereign state, though it lacks international recognition from the majority of nations.

Relations between Taiwan and Somaliland have strengthened since the establishment of representative offices in each other's capitals in 2020, indicating a growing strategic partnership.