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Taiwan and Somaliland have taken a major step in strengthening their unofficial diplomatic relationship by signing a new agreement focused on maritime security and developing the blue economy. The deal, signed on Thursday in Taipei, highlights the deepening partnership between two self-governing territories that are not internationally recognized but are seeking broader global engagement.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration’s Director-General Chang Chung-lung signed the agreement, which includes cooperation in coast guard training, joint maritime rescue operations, and personnel exchanges. The goal is to improve Somaliland’s maritime defenses along its 850-kilometre coastline along the Gulf of Aden.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te hosted the Somaliland delegation and described the agreement as “a new chapter” in their growing relationship. “This cooperation shows the strength of democratic partnerships,” he said.
Minister Abdirahman emphasized Somaliland’s continued support for Taiwan, stating, “No pressure will change our commitment. We are united by shared values and mutual respect.”
The Gulf of Aden is a key global shipping route that faces threats like piracy and smuggling. Strengthening coast guard capabilities will help protect trade and promote regional stability. The deal also supports efforts to tap into the blue economy — the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
Somaliland claims an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that extends 200 nautical miles into the sea, with the potential to produce over 200,000 metric tons of fish each year. The agreement could help the region take advantage of the growing global blue economy, which the OECD estimates will contribute $1.5 trillion to the world economy by 2030.
Since 2020, Taiwan has provided development aid to Somaliland, funding projects in healthcare, agriculture, digital identity systems, and elections. During this recent visit, Somaliland officials also met with Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund to discuss new collaborations in education, fisheries, and logistics.
This partnership began in 2020 when both sides established representative offices in their capitals — Taipei and Hargeisa. While neither government is recognized by the United Nations, they have steadily built institutional ties based on shared governance goals.
This trip marked Foreign Minister Abdirahman’s first visit to Taiwan since taking office in December 2024. He was joined by Presidential Affairs Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi and Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye. They met with top Taiwanese officials including President Lai, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
President Lai praised Somaliland’s peaceful elections in 2024, calling it “a beacon of democracy in the Horn of Africa.” He also expressed hope that Taiwan could work with other like-minded countries, including the United States, to promote a regional strategy not aligned with China.
However, the agreement is likely to anger both China and Somalia. In April 2025, Somalia banned Taiwanese passport holders, citing a United Nations resolution and accusing Taiwan of violating Somali sovereignty through its relationship with Somaliland. Taiwan responded with a similar ban on Somali nationals, accusing Somalia of bowing to Chinese political influence.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and fully supports Somalia’s position.
Despite diplomatic challenges, both Taiwan and Somaliland have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation built on democratic values and mutual support in the face of international isolation.
President Lai concluded, “This coast guard deal and our growing efforts in maritime security and the blue economy show the strength and resilience of our partnership. Together, we will continue defending our values and deepening our democratic alliance.”