In a milestone diplomatic and knowledge-sharing trip, Hargeisa Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge successfully concluded an official visit to Sweden, with a special focus on the Jönköping region. The delegation held high-level meetings with several prominent municipal leaders, beginning with Mayor Tord Sundquist of Jönköping, followed by Mayor Jenth Williamsson of Vaggeryd, Mayor Stefan Wideberg of Värnamo, and Mayor Sara Lindberg of Nässjö. The visit also included engagements with the leadership of Sweden’s Social Democratic Party and a direct meeting with Member of Parliament Azra Muranovic, who represents Jönköping County in the Riksdag. Mayor Mooge emphasized the value of global exchange, stating that “the world is about knowledge and experience.” He described the trip as a major success in gaining insights into the operations of local governments and municipal councils in the visited cities. In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, the mayor singled out Swedish MP Ifrah Kirih and Hasan Abadir for their pivotal support, stating that the visit’s achievements would not have been possible without them. Both are candidates in the upcoming Swedish elections, and Mayor Mooge extended his best wishes for their success. He also extended warm thanks to the vibrant Somaliland community in Jönköping, whose gracious hospitality and generous farewell on the final evening left a lasting impression. The visit underscores the growing people-to-people and institutional connections between Somaliland and Sweden, particularly through diaspora networks and shared interests in local governance and development.
