Hargeisa (SLpost)- The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has welcomed remarks by US President Donald Trump acknowledging Somaliland as a distinct country, describing the comments as recognition of its longstanding to sovereign statehood.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the Horn of Africa country has its own internationally defined borders, constitution, elected government and foreign relations, and has maintained its self-governing institutions for more than three decades.
The government said Somaliland’s independence dates to 26 June 1960, when it became independent before entering a union with Somalia later that year. It declared the restoration of its sovereignty within its former borders on 18 May 1991 and has since established governing institutions and held successive presidential, parliamentary and local elections.
The statement highlighted the November 2024 presidential election as an example of Somaliland’s democratic tradition and peaceful transfers of power.
Somaliland highlights strategic importance
The government also emphasised Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the region’s important maritime corridors.
It identified Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor as potential gateways for trade into the Horn of Africa, while highlighting opportunities for cooperation with the United States in regional security, counterterrorism, maritime protection and economic development.
The statement said Somaliland welcomed responsible investment in sectors including minerals, energy, fisheries and livestock, presenting these areas as opportunities for mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Hargeisa seeks closer engagement with Washington
The government referred to recent meetings between President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) and US government officials in Washington, saying the president had reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to peace, stability and constructive international cooperation.
According to the statement, Somaliland seeks a partnership with the United States based on shared interests, including regional security, trade and investment.
“The Government looks forward to working with President Trump’s Administration to deepen constructive engagement between the two sides,” reads the statement.
Somaliland cites international partnerships
The ministry also pointed to Somaliland’s international relationships, including its partnership with Taiwan. It further cited Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on 25 December 2025, describing Israel as the first United Nations member state to formally recognise the republic.
Somaliland said it remained committed to peaceful relations with neighbouring countries and resolving disputes through dialogue. The government expressed gratitude to Trump for his remarks and said it looked forward to working with his administration to strengthen engagement between Hargeisa and Washington.
“It (Somaliland) expresses its gratitude to President Trump for acknowledging the reality of the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign, independent country,” says the statement.
The United States president Donald Trump described Somaliland as “a totally different country” making a distinction between Somaliland and Somalia while discussing immigration and political controversies in the United States.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Somaliland’s commitment to peace, stability and constructive international cooperation, while seeking broader recognition of its sovereign status.
