In a continued push for deeper international engagement, Sahil Governor Abdiqani Mohamoud Aateye welcomed a high-level delegation from the Washington Strategy Group to his office in Berbera on Sunday.
Governor Aateye shared the development via a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account: “Today in my Berbera office, I hosted a delegation from the Washington Strategy Group led by Joel Rubin, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and Michael Freund, former Deputy Director of Communications to Israeli PM Netanyahu.”
The delegation, which has been in the Republic of Somaliland since last week, previously held discussions in Hargeisa with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Aden, accompanied by his Political and Strategic Affairs Advisor, Dr. Mohamed Hamud Ahmed.
That earlier meeting focused on strengthening relations between the United States and the Republic of Somaliland, as well as exploring ties with the State of Israel. Discussions emphasized practical cooperation, shared democratic values, regional stability, public relations efforts, cultural and educational exchanges, and raising international awareness of Somaliland’s unique history and aspirations.
Details of the specific agenda for both the meeting with the Foreign Minister and the subsequent engagement with Governor Aateye in Berbera were not made public.
The visiting delegation is led by Joel Martin Rubin, President of the Washington Strategy Group and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs during the Obama administration, alongside Michael Freund (also referred to as Rabbi Michael Freund), founder and leader of Shavei Israel and former Deputy Director of Communications in the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This high-level visit underscores the Republic of Somaliland’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to build strategic partnerships with key policymakers and organizations in Washington and beyond, particularly as the nation seeks greater international recognition and cooperation in trade, security, and development.