The Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Abdurahman Hassan, officially opened the quarterly national coordination meeting on maritime security and development today.
Organized by the Maritime Security Coordination Office under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the gathering brought together key stakeholders to review the current state of maritime security, discuss development initiatives, and share operational reports and future plans.
In his opening remarks, the newly appointed Director of the Maritime Security Office, Mohamed Aden Tukale, and his Deputy, Yahye Mohamed Xanas, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the office’s mandate. They emphasized the importance of modernizing maritime security systems and fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration.
Representatives from the European Union Capacity Building Programme (EU CAP), Mr. Bert and Mahad Ahmed, also addressed the meeting. They expressed gratitude for Somaliland’s progress in this area and reiterated the EU’s ongoing technical support for maritime security and development efforts.
Director General Mohamed Abdurahman Hassan delivered a keynote speech, underscoring the Ministry’s firm commitment to safeguarding Somaliland’s maritime domain. He highlighted that effective maritime security is essential for economic growth, international trade, and overall national stability. He also stressed the need for robust legislation and enhanced cooperation among all stakeholders involved in maritime affairs.
The meeting featured presentations of critical reports and proposals from various institutions, including multiple government ministries, the Attorney General’s Office, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Somaliland Police Force, and universities offering maritime-related academic programs.
Participants concluded the session with a series of resolutions aimed at deepening collaboration, ensuring joint implementation of maritime security laws, and maintaining regular coordination meetings. The Maritime Security Coordination Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was designated as the lead agency for these ongoing efforts.
This quarterly forum marks a key step in Somaliland’s continued push to bolster its maritime governance amid growing regional and international interest in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea corridors.