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Somaliland and Taiwan are set to strengthen their diplomatic relationship with the signing of a new maritime cooperation agreement this week. The deal will focus on regional security and coastal defense and comes at a time when their partnership continues to face criticism from both Somalia and China.
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, arrived in Taipei on Sunday for a five-day visit. He is joined by high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Presidential Affairs Khadar Hussein Abdi, Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ahmed Hurre Harir, and Foreign Policy Adviser Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud. The visit, which runs from July 21 to 25, was organized at the invitation of Taiwan’s government.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that both governments will sign a “Coast Guard Cooperation Agreement.” The deal is being arranged through Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council and Coast Guard Administration. It is expected to boost cooperation in maritime security, anti-piracy missions, and training of Somaliland’s coast guard personnel.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Taipei, Minister Abdirahman expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and praised Taiwan as a “trusted partner.” He said both countries share similar values and expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen their growing friendship.
During their stay, the Somaliland delegation will meet with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. A state banquet in their honor will also be hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung.
Aside from security matters, the Somaliland officials will hold talks with the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). They will review ongoing development projects and explore potential collaborations in areas such as agriculture, education, and healthcare.
This marks Minister Abdirahman’s first official visit to Taiwan since taking office in December 2024. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry described the trip as a major step in the relationship, highlighting shared commitments to democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
Taiwan emphasized Somaliland’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa, near the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. “We share the same democratic values and a commitment to freedom and cooperation,” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The two sides have built strong ties since opening representative offices in their respective capitals—Hargeisa and Taipei—in 2020. Since then, Taiwan has invested more than $24 million in Somaliland, supporting projects in healthcare, elections, digital identity systems, and more.
Despite this progress, their growing partnership has faced opposition. Somalia and China have strongly condemned the relationship. Somalia’s federal government sees Taiwan’s office in Hargeisa as a violation of its territorial integrity and responded by banning entry to Taiwanese passport holders in April 2025. Taiwan then issued a similar ban on Somali passport holders.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has backed Somalia’s stance. In 2022, tensions rose when a planned visit by the Chinese ambassador to Somaliland was cancelled due to public backlash. Somaliland accused China of trying to pressure them to cut ties with Taiwan.
China continues to support Somalia in this matter. In December 2024, China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa visited Mogadishu and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, a move seen as a counter to Taiwan’s growing presence in Somaliland.
Still, Taiwan maintains that its relationship with Somaliland is based on mutual respect and practical cooperation. “We will keep working closely with Somaliland to improve the lives of our people,” said Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The current visit by Somaliland’s top officials underscores the two governments’ continued efforts to deepen cooperation despite mounting geopolitical pressure.