Somaliland President Meets UK Diplomats to Discuss Future Cooperation and Investment Opportunities

President Cirro Meets Outgoing and Incoming UK Officials in Somaliland

Hargeisa, Somaliland – April 7, 2025:
President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), today welcomed Mr. Ilyaas Malek, the outgoing Head of the UK Office in Hargeisa, along with his successor, Ms. Louise Hancock, at the Presidential Palace.

This meeting, which builds on the deep and historical ties between Somaliland and the United Kingdom, focused on enhancing the enduring cooperation that has shaped the relationship between the two entities for decades. The UK has been a long-standing partner in Somaliland’s journey, particularly in areas of governance, development, and democratic progress. This partnership dates back to the colonial era, but even after Somaliland’s independence in 1991, the UK has remained a key ally in supporting the country’s aspirations.

In today’s discussions, both sides underscored the importance of deepening collaboration in several critical sectors:

Enhancing Bilateral Ties: Strengthening diplomatic and people-to-people connections to ensure long-term cooperation between Somaliland and the UK.

Economic Cooperation and Investment: Exploring new avenues for UK investment in key sectors like renewable energy, technology, and trade, all vital to Somaliland’s economic growth.

Regional Peace and Security: Working together to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, ensuring a secure environment for sustainable development.

Higher Education and Knowledge Exchange: Expanding academic collaborations and opportunities for Somaliland’s youth to access quality education and professional development.

Governance and Social Development Support: Continuing the partnership in fostering democratic governance and promoting social progress across Somaliland, ensuring the country’s development aligns with international standards.

Mr. Malek also took the opportunity to thank Somaliland for its warm hospitality during his tenure and praised the government’s efforts in maintaining peace, stability, and democratic processes. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of their partnership, with commitments made to continue collaborating on these priority areas.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision for a prosperous future, marked by strengthened relations and an unwavering commitment to achieving regional stability and growth.