HARGEISA, Oct 13 — Somaliland’s government on Tuesday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s acknowledgement of Somaliland as a distinct country, saying it sought deeper engagement with his administration on regional security, trade and investment.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland warmly welcomes US President Donald J. Trump’s acknowledgement of the Republic of Somaliland as a distinct country,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement.
The ministry said Trump’s remarks affirmed Somaliland’s separate political status, citing its borders inherited at independence, constitution, elected government and more than three decades of self-government.
“It has its own constitution, democratically elected government and foreign relations, and has governed itself for more than three decades,” it said.
The statement recalled Somaliland’s independence on June 26, 1960, and its restoration of sovereignty within its former borders on May 18, 1991. It highlighted successive presidential, parliamentary and local elections as evidence of its democratic tradition.
The ministry also outlined Somaliland’s potential role in U.S. cooperation across the Horn of Africa, pointing to its coastline along the Gulf of Aden, proximity to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the commercial importance of Berbera.
“Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor offer a gateway for trade into the Horn of Africa,” it said, adding that Somaliland’s experience in counter-terrorism and maritime security supported efforts to protect the region and international shipping.
The government said it welcomed responsible investment in minerals, energy, fisheries and livestock.
According to the statement, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, known as Irro, had outlined a partnership based on shared interests and reciprocal benefits during recent meetings with U.S. government officials in Washington.
The ministry also cited Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland on Dec. 26, 2025, and Somaliland’s established partnership with Taiwan.
It said the government remained committed to peaceful relations with neighbouring countries and resolving differences through dialogue.
“The Government looks forward to working with President Trump’s Administration to deepen constructive engagement between the two sides,” the statement said.
(Reporting by Mohamed Duale; HornDiplomat News Desk)
