Somaliland opens new representative office in Taipei's Tianmu area

Taipei, June 12 (CNA) Somaliland Representative to Taiwan Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal on Friday pledged to further strengthen ties between Somaliland and Taiwan at an event marking the opening of the representative office's new premises.

The Republic of Somaliland Representative Office held an opening ceremony at its new premises in Taipei's Tianmu area, a neighborhood in Shilin District that is home to many foreign diplomatic missions.

Addressing guests at the reception, including Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu (吳志中), Galaal first thanked the ministry for its assistance in relocating the office, which was previously based in the city's Neihu District.

Galaal said the new office's close proximity to other missions provides a convenient setting for engagement, cooperation, and the day-to-day conduct of diplomatic affairs.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and operates as a de facto self-governing entity, though it lacks widespread international recognition.

Taiwan and Somaliland have drawn closer since signing a bilateral agreement to open representative offices in their respective capitals in 2020.

Reflecting on the bilateral ties, Galaal said the relationship has grown steadily and substantially across a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, energy and maritime affairs.

"It's a relationship distinguished by its depth, substance, and mutual commitment," he said. "Our respective missions perform and function with the vigor of two states with the strongest diplomatic ties, reflecting the high degree of trust, confidence, and cooperation that exists between our governments."

Galaal said Somaliland remains committed to further strengthening ties and expanding cooperation, noting that the relationship is built on shared values.

Wu said Taiwan and Somaliland are beacons of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law in their regions, with Somaliland being Taiwan's first major partner in East Africa.

"The Somaliland Representative Office, newly located in Taiwan's diplomatic quarter, symbolizes the staunch and cordial ties between our nations," Wu said.

"In the future, I look forward to the steady deepening of bilateral collaboration in areas including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and infrastructure," he added.