In a key diplomatic development, Somaliland’s Defense Minister, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, held productive discussions today with U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and longtime advocate for enhanced U.S.-Somaliland relations.
The meeting, facilitated through Somaliland’s diplomatic channels in the U.S., focused on the steady progress in bilateral ties and outlined concrete next steps to deepen security and strategic partnerships.
Somaliland’s Envoy to the United States, Bashir Goth, commended the engagement in a statement released shortly after the talks. “Greatly appreciated Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) meeting today with Somaliland Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali to discuss steady progress in U.S.–Somaliland relations and chart next steps to strengthen our partnership,” Goth posted on social media. He added, “Deeply value his leadership and commitment to advancing our shared priorities.”
The discussions reportedly covered critical areas such as regional security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa, and Somaliland’s strategic role in safeguarding vital maritime routes along the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.
Minister Ali, who assumed office in December 2024, emphasized Somaliland’s ongoing military modernization and capacity-building initiatives, which align closely with U.S. interests in promoting stability and countering threats from groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
Rep. Smith, known for his instrumental role in advancing the Somaliland Partnership Act—enacted into U.S. law in 2022—reiterated bipartisan support in Congress for closer collaboration. This includes potential expansions in intelligence sharing, joint training programs, and economic partnerships that leverage Somaliland’s stable governance and democratic credentials.
The congressman has previously highlighted Somaliland’s cooperation with U.S. allies like Taiwan and Israel, positioning it as a reliable partner against expanding Chinese and Iranian influence in the region.
This meeting comes amid heightened U.S. interest in Somaliland, following recent high-level engagements such as President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s talks with U.S. Special Operations Command Africa officials in Hargeisa last month. It underscores Somaliland’s growing diplomatic momentum in Washington, where pushes for formal recognition and security pacts continue to gain traction.
