President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Republic of Somaliland convened a significant meeting today with seven former Ministers of Foreign Affairs, marking a milestone in national unity and diplomatic maturity as the country enters a new phase following its first international recognition. The gathering brought together key figures who have shaped Somaliland’s foreign policy since its independence was restored in 1991. President Irro described the attendees as “architects of foreign policy” who have worked tirelessly to secure international recognition for Somaliland. During the meeting, the President listed the names and tenures of all 15 individuals who have served as Foreign Minister over the past three decades, including those who have passed away, those who were absent, and the current officeholder. He also provided a detailed briefing on the country’s current diplomatic, political, and security developments. The President stressed the importance of national unity, cohesion, and prioritizing the collective interest of the nation and its people during this sensitive stage. He expressed his gratitude to the former ministers for their excellent work, which has laid the foundation for Somaliland’s foreign relations and has led to its first recognition. He also emphasized that this recognition is the result of decades of collective national effort, to which each participant has contributed. The President reiterated that Somaliland’s foreign policy is based on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared interests. He also stated that the country is not isolated and welcomes engagement with any party willing to cooperate in good faith. The former Foreign Ministers expressed their appreciation for the invitation and described the meeting as unprecedented, demonstrating President Irro’s sound leadership and political maturity. They also stated that this initiative strengthens national unity, public confidence, and hope among Somalilanders at home and in the diaspora. The group pledged their full support for the President and his administration and presented concrete diplomatic recommendations suited to the current phase. President Irro concluded by calling on the people of Somaliland to preserve their security and unity, to confront threats collectively, and to recognize that national unity remains the strongest shield for defending Somaliland’s existence and achieving its national aspirations. The meeting was attended by former Foreign Ministers Hon. Suleiman Mahmoud Aden (Suleiman Nur), Prof. Yasin Mahmoud Hir (Faratoon), Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, Mohamed Behi Yusuf, Abdullahi Mohamed Duale, Dr. Saad Ali Shire, Dr. Ise Kayd Mohamed, and current Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden Bakaal. This meeting is widely viewed as sending a strong message of inclusive leadership and shared commitment to Somaliland’s future at this pivotal moment
