By M.A. Egge
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Aden has strongly scoffed at a statement from the Chinese government calling on Somaliland to withdraw its relationship with the government of Taiwan.
He at the same time defended the relationship between Somaliland and the United States, describing it as one that reflects the common interests of Somaliland and the United States, given bilateral cooperation entailed.
The minister expressed his sentiments as he gave an interview to BBC Somali service.
He further underscored the fact that Somaliland has the right to have relations with any international government as it may deem fit hence could not be coerced to sway its convictions at all by any entity as per whom it should have relations with.
He said, “Every country has the right to have relations with whom it may deem fit. If we have relations with the government of Taiwan, it is on our own volition”.
He made it clear that “when governments such as China engages relations with any nation it does not consult us, just as Somaliland does not consult any country concerning whom it should have relations with”
Speaking about the relationship between Somaliland and the United States, the minister said. “We are very interested in it and we warmly welcome the relationship between us and the United States”.
He noted that “the most important thing is that the interests of Somaliland and the interests of the United States are compatible,” and added. “It is important for us that any relationship we establish is based on the interests of Somaliland and the aspirations of Somaliland.”
As concerns about exchanging sovereignty for a US base in Berbera, he answered that he would not engage in preemptive talks.
Likewise in answer to the Palestinian question of being relocated in Somaliland settlements by the US that has been widely highlighted the world over, he was categorical that the nation of Somaliland has not been officially approached on the issue.