Taipei, Dec. 28 (Horn Post) — Taiwan has welcomed Israel’s decision to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move that departs from the position held by the United States, the European Union, and several other international actors that continue to affirm Somalia’s territorial integrity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) praised Israel’s decision, describing Taiwan, Israel, and Somaliland as “like-minded democratic partners” united by shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
MOFA said the recognition is expected to advance closer trilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, underscoring the growing alignment among the three entities.
Taiwan’s response reflects its deepening relationship with Somaliland, which has operated as a self-governing entity since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, despite lacking broad international recognition.
On August 17, 2020, Taiwan opened a representative office in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa. Somaliland reciprocated by establishing its own representative office in Taipei on September 9 of the same year. Since then, bilateral relations have expanded steadily, with cooperation spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, information and telecommunications, security, and energy and mineral development, MOFA noted.
Most recently, Taiwan and Somaliland signed an agreement in July aimed at strengthening coast guard cooperation, with a focus on safeguarding maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Israel’s recognition marks the first time a country has formally acknowledged Somaliland’s sovereignty since its 1991 declaration of independence.
The move has drawn criticism from several regional actors. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, and Turkey issued statements condemning the decision, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, and warning that recognition of breakaway regions could undermine international peace and security.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Washington does not intend to immediately follow Israel’s lead in recognizing Somaliland. The European Union echoed this position on Saturday, reiterating its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
By Joseph Yeh
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Prepared:
Horn post Reporter
