HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, has held a meeting with newly appointed ambassadors, an envoy and deputy ambassadors, urging them to strengthen the territory’s diplomatic relations, protect its national interests and pursue opportunities to advance its international engagement.
The meeting focused on the responsibilities of Somaliland’s newly appointed diplomatic representatives and the importance of carrying out their duties with professionalism, integrity and a strong commitment to national priorities.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakal attended the meeting alongside the president.
President Irro emphasized that diplomatic positions involve more than formal representation. He described them as national responsibilities that carry Somaliland’s name, statehood, strategic interests and long-term aspirations.
The president Irro said the appointments carried particular significance at a time when, according to the official statement, international attention was increasingly focused on Somaliland’s statehood and strategic position in the region and beyond.
The President urged the diplomats to demonstrate competence, honesty, accountability and professionalism while representing Somaliland in their respective countries of assignment.
President Irro called on the newly appointed officials to strengthen bilateral relations through dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. He also encouraged them to pursue partnerships that could create diplomatic, political, economic and development opportunities for Somaliland.
The president stressed that effective diplomacy should deliver practical benefits and help advance Somaliland’s strategic objectives. He urged the representatives to build productive relationships with the governments and institutions of the countries where they would serve, while ensuring that Somaliland’s interests remained a priority.
President Calls for Stronger Engagement With Somaliland Communities Abroad
President Irro also highlighted the role of Somaliland’s diplomatic representatives in bringing together Somaliland communities living overseas.
He urged the ambassadors and other officials to strengthen links with diaspora communities in their countries of assignment, encouraging greater participation in national affairs and closer cooperation between communities abroad and institutions at home.
The president said the diaspora’s experience, international networks and professional connections could contribute to Somaliland’s national interests. Stronger engagement, he added, could also help promote unity and encourage overseas Somalilanders to contribute to the territory’s wider development and diplomatic objectives.
The emphasis on diaspora engagement reflects the broader role diplomatic missions can play beyond government-to-government relations, including maintaining connections with citizens abroad and encouraging cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Newly Appointed Officials Pledge Commitment
The ambassadors, envoy and deputy ambassadors told the president they were committed to fulfilling their assigned diplomatic responsibilities with integrity, competence, accountability and professionalism, according to the official statement.
They pledged to prioritize the protection of Somaliland’s interests, dignity and reputation and to work toward advancing its diplomatic aspirations and strategic objectives.
The meeting forms part of the government’s efforts to prepare the newly appointed representatives for their responsibilities and strengthen Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement abroad.
Somaliland has continued to pursue greater international engagement and diplomatic recognition. Its diplomatic representatives are expected to play a role in building partnerships, communicating the territory’s position to foreign governments and institutions, and identifying opportunities for political and economic cooperation.
The newly appointed Somaliland diplomatic representatives are:
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Sharmaake Ahmed Mohamed — Somaliland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia.
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Mohamed Abdi Abdillahi (Galol) — Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia.
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Ali Aden Awale — Somaliland’s Representative to the European Union.
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Muse Yusuf Farah — Somaliland’s Representative to Sweden.
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Bashir Sheikh Ibrahim Bakaal — Deputy Representative to Sweden.
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Mohamud Rage Abdi — Somaliland’s Envoy to the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The president’s message placed particular emphasis on professionalism, effective international partnerships and coordination with Somaliland communities abroad as key elements of the representatives’ responsibilities.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
