HARGEISA, Somaliland — (Horn Post) Somaliland and Denmark discussed Red Sea and Gulf of Aden security, development cooperation, infrastructure, democracy and regional stability in Hargeisa.
Somaliland and Denmark discussed maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, along with broader cooperation on development, infrastructure, democracy and regional stability, according to a statement from Somaliland’s presidency.
Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, who is serving as acting president, held talks with Denmark’s Ambassador to Somalia and Somaliland, Steen Sonne Andersen, at the presidential palace in Hargeisa.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to Red Sea security, regional stability, economic infrastructure, social development, democracy and elections, the presidency said.
The vice president was accompanied by the minister of the presidency, the minister of planning and national development, the director general for foreign affairs, the presidential spokesperson and his private secretary.
Somaliland Calls for Stronger Danish Support
Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi thanked Denmark for its long-standing financial and development assistance to Somaliland, saying such cooperation has supported social services, infrastructure development, security and democratic institutions.
He urged Denmark to increase its economic and development support, particularly for projects directly affecting communities, infrastructure development and the strengthening of Somaliland’s state institutions and democratic system.
The acting president also called on Denmark, other Scandinavian countries and the European Union to take greater account of the political and geopolitical realities of the Horn of Africa.
He argued that Somaliland has developed national institutions, a democratic system, relative stability and state structures over several decades.
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Security
A central theme of the meeting was Somaliland’s strategic position along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to the presidency.
Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi told the Danish ambassador that Somaliland should be viewed in light of its contribution to peace, stability and security in the Horn of Africa, particularly the protection of strategic maritime routes linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The discussions come as maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remains a major regional and international concern because of the importance of the waterways to global trade and shipping.
Somaliland has increasingly emphasized its geographic position on the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to major international shipping routes as part of its broader foreign policy and regional security engagement.
Denmark Pledges Continued Development Cooperation
Ambassador Steen Sonne Andersen praised what he described as Somaliland’s security, stability, development and democratic progress, and stressed the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the two sides.
The ambassador also confirmed that Denmark would continue supporting development projects benefiting communities in Somaliland.
According to the presidency, Denmark will maintain its long-standing support for the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF), a major development financing mechanism supporting projects aligned with Somaliland’s national priorities.
The Danish delegation included former DANIDA Somaliland head Mathias Kjaer, incoming DANIDA head Camilla Christensen and Political Officer Abdiqani Mohamed Hussein.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on expanding cooperation between Somaliland and Denmark, with Somaliland emphasizing its commitment to building international partnerships based on mutual interests, practical cooperation and sustainable development.
Pictures:
Prepared by:
Horn Post staff
info@hornpost.com
www.hornpost.com
