In a significant step toward deepening international partnerships, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, met with the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, United Kingdom, Ms. Safia Saeed (Safia Berberaawi).
The high-level meeting, held in Hargeisa, focused on reinforcing the longstanding historical ties, fostering developmental cooperation, and enhancing bilateral relations between Somaliland and the city of Sheffield.
During the discussions, President Irro expressed his gratitude to Lord Mayor Saeed for her visit, underscoring the pivotal role played by the Somaliland diaspora in Sheffield in advancing Somaliland’s development. He praised the community for acting as a vital bridge between Somaliland and the United Kingdom, consistently championing Somaliland’s right to self-determination and its quest for international recognition.
The President highlighted Sheffield’s landmark decision in 2014 to become the first city to officially recognize Somaliland, a bold move that has strengthened ties between the two entities and inspired other major UK cities to follow suit. “Sheffield’s recognition was a courageous and historic act that has significantly bolstered our relationship and encouraged others to support Somaliland’s cause,” President Irro stated.
In her remarks, Lord Mayor Safia Saeed thanked President Irro for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of collaboration in key areas such as education, healthcare, investment, and community development. She highlighted the critical role of women in Somaliland’s nation-building efforts, calling for increased efforts to empower women in politics and public administration.
“The women of Somaliland are a driving force in shaping the nation’s future, and their participation in leadership must be further supported,” she said.
Lord Mayor Saeed reaffirmed Sheffield City Council’s commitment to advocating for Somaliland’s cause and pledged to deepen cooperative initiatives, particularly in education, healthcare, and economic investment. “We are dedicated to strengthening our partnership with Somaliland and supporting its aspirations on the global stage,” she added.
The meeting marks a milestone in Somaliland-UK relations, building on the strong foundation laid by the Somaliland diaspora and Sheffield’s progressive stance. Both leaders expressed optimism about future collaborations, with plans to explore new avenues for mutual growth and development. This historic visit underscores Somaliland’s growing international engagement and its efforts to solidify diplomatic and developmental partnerships with global cities and nations.