HARGEISA, Somaliland — (Horn Post) President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) held a strategic meeting with the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Charles King, at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and their long-standing relationship.
The UK ambassador visited Somaliland as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement between the two sides. He was accompanied by Louise Hancock, the UK Representative at the British Office in Somaliland.
President Irro thanked the United Kingdom for its historic ties, longstanding understanding, and continued cooperation with Somaliland, highlighting Britain’s role as a key development and security partner.
The president emphasized that UK support has contributed to several important sectors, including institutional development, security capacity building, infrastructure improvement, and strengthening democratic governance.
“Somaliland’s strategic partnership with the United Kingdom is built on historical trust, mutual respect, sustainable cooperation, and shared interests,” President Irro said, according to a statement from the presidency.
Somaliland Highlights Development Priorities and Recognition Bid
During the talks, President Irro outlined his government’s development priorities, saying Somaliland and the UK could expand cooperation in areas including water management, climate change adaptation, renewable energy, security, education, healthcare, trade, investment, democracy, and strengthening state institutions.
The president also reiterated Somaliland’s commitment to pursuing international recognition, describing the process as irreversible and based on legal, historical, and popular foundations.
President Irro called on the United Kingdom to play a meaningful role in supporting Somaliland’s international recognition efforts.
UK Ambassador Praises Somaliland’s Stability and Democracy
Ambassador Charles King said the British government highly values the historic relationship and strong cooperation between the UK and Somaliland.
The ambassador praised Somaliland’s achievements in security, stability, democracy, and development, describing it as a positive example in the region for peacebuilding, political stability, institution-building, democratic practices, and the successful organization of free and fair elections.
The UK envoy confirmed that Britain would continue strengthening its cooperation and support for Somaliland.
UK Ambassador Meets Civil Society and Reviews British-Funded Projects
During his visit to Hargeisa, Ambassador Charles King also held meetings with civil society organizations, reviewed development projects supported by the British government, and met with Somaliland students and graduates who benefited from the UK’s Chevening scholarship program.
Historic UK-Somaliland Relationship
Somaliland and the United Kingdom share a historic relationship dating back to the period when Britain administered British Somaliland before independence in 1960.
Over the years, the UK has provided millions of dollars in development assistance to Somaliland, supporting areas such as governance, education, security, and community development. The United Kingdom is also home to one of the largest Somaliland diaspora communities abroad.
Pictures of Somaliland and UK Strengthen Historic Relations During High-Level Hargeisa Talks
Prepared By:
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
