Somaliland’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Abdillahi Hassan Aadan, held a high-level meeting with Denmark’s Ambassador to Somaliland and Somalia, Steen Sonne, in talks focused on strengthening development cooperation and accelerating projects designed to deliver tangible benefits to communities across Somaliland.
The meeting highlighted Denmark’s continued support for Somaliland’s development agenda, with discussions covering decentralization, democracy, institutional strengthening, local government development and economic infrastructure.
A major focus was Denmark’s support for the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) and projects being implemented through the fund, including road construction and development, the development of Maydh Port, and the establishment of enclosures and other infrastructure projects.
Minister Abdillahi thanked Denmark for its sustained development assistance, stressing that SDF-funded projects are playing an important role in strengthening Somaliland’s economic infrastructure and expanding essential services for communities.
He also underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that development projects are implemented efficiently and in line with their approved objectives, while delivering measurable and lasting results for the public.
The Minister said Somaliland is prepared to take all necessary measures to strengthen transparency, accountability, quality and project impact, emphasizing that development resources must be managed effectively and sustainably.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Minister to bid farewell to Mathias, the former Head of Danida Somaliland, whom he thanked for his service and contribution to strengthening development cooperation between Somaliland and Denmark.
Minister Abdillahi also welcomed Camilla, the newly appointed head of Danida Somaliland, wishing her success as she assumes her new responsibilities.
For his part, Danish Ambassador Steen Sonne commended the Somaliland Government’s commitment to national development and closer cooperation with Denmark.
The Ambassador praised the progress achieved by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, particularly in public financial management and the implementation of development projects, and reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to maintaining its development partnership with Somaliland.
The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing the need to deepen cooperation, accelerate ongoing development projects and ensure that development assistance translates into sustainable, effective and tangible benefits for the people of Somaliland.