STUTTGART, Germany (Horn post) — Minister of Defense and National Defense of the Republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, led a high-level delegation to strategic talks with senior officials from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) at the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on August 2, according to a statement released by Somaliland’s Ministry of Defense.
The meeting underscored growing security engagement between Somaliland and the United States, focusing on maritime security, regional stability, and defense cooperation amid increasing geopolitical competition in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
The Somaliland delegation included Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye, Senior Adviser Farah Ahmed Habush, and academic adviser Abdiaziz Ahmed.
Maritime Security and Red Sea Stability
According to the Ministry of Defense, discussions centered on strengthening strategic defense cooperation between Somaliland and the United States while exploring new avenues for institutional and military collaboration.
A major focus of the meeting was safeguarding international maritime routes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, two of the world’s most critical shipping corridors that have faced growing security threats in recent years.
Both sides also discussed coordinated efforts to counter regional maritime risks and improve the capabilities of Somaliland’s maritime security institutions.
Regional Security Cooperation
The talks addressed broader security challenges across the Horn of Africa, including cooperation aimed at enhancing regional stability and improving the operational capacity of Somaliland’s security forces to respond to emerging threats.
Officials exchanged views on strengthening coordinated approaches to address evolving regional security concerns and promote long-term peace and stability.
Commitment to Expanded Defense Partnership
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing commitment to expanding defense cooperation and accelerating collaboration in security capacity-building and institutional development.
According to Somaliland’s Ministry of Defense, the discussions resulted in a shared understanding on advancing future defense engagement and maritime security initiatives.
The ministry described the engagement with AFRICOM as an important step toward strengthening maritime security in the Red Sea region while reinforcing Somaliland’s role in supporting regional and international security efforts.
Horn Post Staff
STUTTGART, Germany
