President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) has highlighted the outcomes of his working visits to the United States and the United Arab Emirates, expressing confidence in new opportunities for international cooperation while reaffirming Somaliland’s relationship with neighbouring Ethiopia and opposing what he described as actions against Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Addressing senior government officials, members of both Houses of Parliament, military commanders, traditional leaders, religious scholars, businesspeople, academics, women and other prominent members of society at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, President Irro said he and his delegation had returned with success, confidence and high hopes for Somaliland’s future.
The President said the visit to the United States had opened new avenues for cooperation that his administration would continue to pursue, emphasising that the outcomes could contribute significantly to the future of the Republic of Somaliland.
He expressed particular appreciation to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, saying he was grateful that Trump had distinguished Somaliland from Somalia.
“I would like to express my profound gratitude to President Donald J. Trump for distinguishing the Republic of Somaliland from failed Somalia,” President Irro said.
Somaliland Presents Its Case to U.S. Officials and Investors
President Irro said that during the delegation’s stay in Washington, D.C., and New York, Somaliland’s case was presented to U.S. government officials, members of both chambers of Congress, influential policy figures, institutes specialising in international politics and diplomacy, investors and international organisations based in the United States.
He described the engagements as an opportunity to advance Somaliland’s interests and establish new channels of cooperation, adding that the government would continue working to translate the opportunities into tangible results.
The President’s remarks followed his return from the overseas visits, during which he led a delegation representing Somaliland’s government.
President Reaffirms Somaliland’s Cooperation with Ethiopia
Addressing regional relations, President Irro described Ethiopia as an important neighbouring country and reaffirmed his administration’s confidence in cooperation between the two sides.
“Ethiopia is our neighbouring country, and we have considerable confidence in cooperation with it. We oppose interference and any action that could threaten its stability and the existence of its statehood,” he said.
The President’s statement underscored his position that regional cooperation should respect the stability and sovereignty of neighbouring countries.
He also rejected what he described as actions against Somaliland’s sovereignty by a group of states recently aligned under Egypt’s leadership.
“We oppose the action taken against our sovereignty by the states that recently formed an alliance led by Egypt,” President Irro said.
He further stressed that regional cooperation could not meaningfully exclude Somaliland, declaring: “Cooperation that excludes Somaliland from the region cannot be possible.”
President Calls for National Unity and Support for Vulnerable Communities
Beyond foreign relations, President Irro called on religious leaders, businesspeople and wealthy members of society to pay greater attention to citizens facing economic hardship.
He urged those with greater financial means to support vulnerable communities, particularly people with limited resources and low incomes.
The President also reiterated his commitment to consultation on matters of national importance, saying his administration remained open to engagement with Parliament, political parties, religious and traditional leaders, academics, businesspeople, women, young people and citizens across society.
In his concluding remarks, President Irro acknowledged that differences could arise over government policies and how national responsibilities should be carried out. However, he emphasised that such disagreements should not undermine unity on matters concerning Somaliland’s continued existence and vital national interests.
He called on Somalilanders to remain united in safeguarding the country’s national interests, while the government continues to pursue international cooperation and address domestic economic and social challenges.