The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has welcomed US President Donald J. Trump’s acknowledgement of Somaliland as a distinct country, saying his remarks affirm its longstanding status as a self-governing nation with defined borders, democratic institutions and independent foreign relations.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland on Tuesday, the government said Somaliland’s borders were inherited at independence and were consistent with the African Union’s principle of respecting borders that existed at the time of independence.
The statement highlighted Somaliland’s history of independence on 26 June 1960 and its restoration of sovereignty within its 1960 borders on 18 May 1991. Since then, it said, Somaliland has developed functioning institutions and held successive presidential, parliamentary and local elections.
The November 2024 presidential election marked the sixth peaceful transfer of power, the government said, reaffirming Somaliland’s democratic tradition.
The government also emphasised Somaliland’s strategic importance in the Horn of Africa, citing its 850-kilometre coastline along the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
It said Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor provide an important gateway for trade into the Horn of Africa, while Somaliland’s experience in counter-terrorism and maritime security contributes to efforts to protect regional stability and international shipping.
The statement added that Somaliland welcomes responsible investment in its mineral resources, energy, fisheries and livestock sectors.
The government also referred to recent meetings between President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) and US government officials in Washington, during which the Somaliland president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, stability and constructive cooperation.
According to the statement, Irro outlined a vision for stronger Somaliland-US relations based on shared interests and mutual benefits, including regional security, trade and investment.
The government further pointed to Somaliland’s international relations, stating that Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognise the Republic of Somaliland on 26 December 2025. It also cited Somaliland’s established partnership with Taiwan.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, the government said it supports resolving differences through respectful dialogue.
The statement expressed gratitude to Trump for acknowledging Somaliland as a sovereign and independent country and said the government looks forward to working with his administration to deepen constructive engagement between the two sides.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Somaliland.