President Tsai Ing-wen said Oct. 12 that she envisages Taiwan and Somaliland cooperating closely and expanding exchanges as part of joint efforts aimed at advancing democratic values.
Somaliland is a model of democracy in Africa, Tsai said. It is hoped Taiwan and Somaliland can share related experiences while supporting each other in the international arena, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while meeting Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud, head of the Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Mohamoud took up his position in August after the two sides announced the signing of an agreement to establish good relations the month before.
According to Tsai, news reports regularly describe Somaliland as “Taiwan’s new friend.” With new friends, the most important thing is to increase communication and exchanges, she said, adding that Mohamoud is playing his part by speaking at academic, economic and trade events.
Taiwan’s public and private sectors are now more aware of cooperation opportunities, as well as Somaliland’s location in the strategically important Horn of Africa, Tsai said. It is expected that by working closely together, both sides can leverage respective strengths and diversify development, she added.
According to Tsai, Taiwan and Somaliland have cooperated in areas such as education, health care and maritime security. Going forward, the representative offices of the two sides will partner in launching various collaboration projects, promoting exchanges across a broad spectrum of areas and deepening friendship between the people, she said.
Tsai also praised Somaliland’s efforts to emulate Taiwan as an internationally recognized beacon of freedom and democracy. Next May, Somaliland will hold parliamentary and council elections together for the first time, she said, adding that expectations are high for a smooth process.
It is anticipated that concerted efforts will make Taiwan and Somaliland strong partners on the global stage, Tsai said. Mutual support and a broadening of bilateral ties will allow the two sides to write the next chapter in the diplomatic friendship, she added. (YCH-E)
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