The Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland opened Aug. 17 in Hargeisa, paving the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation benefiting the people on both sides, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the launch ceremony, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a recorded message from the Presidential Office in Taipei City, saying friendship between the two countries is based on the common values of democracy, justice and the rule of law.
According to Tsai, Taiwan is firmly committed to working with Somaliland in the spirit of mutual assistance for mutual benefits across areas spanning agriculture, fisheries, energy, mining, public health, education and information communication technology.
Joining the event via video link from Taipei, MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan has a longstanding working relationship with Somaliland, having teamed up for projects encompassing health care, education and marine security since 2009.
Taiwan stands by its principles and will continue to work closely with Somaliland and other like-minded partners in the Horn of Africa to contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Wu said.
In response, Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Yasin Hagi Mohamoud said his country thanks the government and people of Taiwan for promoting closer ties. With the Horn of Africa, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden becoming focal points of international interest, now is the right moment for both sides to work together, he added.
Wu and Mohamoud also announced an agreement on technical cooperation signed the same day. Under the pact, Taipei-based Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) will dispatch experts to Somaliland to implement joint cooperative projects, the MOFA said. (SFC-E)
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