𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒
𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 – 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐇.𝐄. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐢 (𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨)
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝
In his Constitutional Address to the Joint Session of Parliament, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), outlined the Government’s strategic diplomatic posture, underscoring that Somaliland’s external engagements are anchored in the principles of sovereign responsibility, enduring peace, and the steadfast protection of national interests.
His Excellency noted that the State of Israel has distinguished itself as the first to take a decisive step towards Somaliland’s recognition, characterizing it as a “reliable partner.” He underscored that such recognition carries strategic dividends, including prospective accession to international and multilateral organizations, enhanced engagement with global institutions, and an expanded role for Somaliland in advancing regional peace and stability. In this regard, he highlighted Somaliland’s proven track record in reconciliation, state-building, and conflict resolution as a valuable contribution to broader peacebuilding efforts.
The President further emphasized the Government’s sustained efforts to expand Somaliland’s international outreach and consolidate strategic partnerships for international recognition. He noted that these diplomatic initiatives have resulted in heightened international engagement and tangible progress across multiple foreign policy fronts.
The President also observed that the Government’s sustained diplomatic campaign for recognition is beginning to yield measurable outcomes, reflecting both the credibility of Somaliland’s case and the effectiveness of its foreign policy approach.
Reaffirming Somaliland’s principled foreign policy framework, His Excellency reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening constructive relations with neighbouring states, while unequivocally safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further highlighted the increasing influx of diplomatic delegations, investors, and business leaders over the past year, indicative of growing international confidence in Somaliland’s stability and strategic relevance.
His Excellency also conveyed appreciation to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for the longstanding and mutually beneficial relations between the two sides. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to further deepening this partnership, particularly in the areas of maritime security, cross-border facilitation, and trade cooperation.
To institutionalize and sustain these diplomatic gains, the President underscored the establishment of the Somaliland Institute of Diplomacy, which has successfully graduated its inaugural cohort of professionals trained in diplomacy and international relations. This milestone, he noted, represents a critical investment in national capacity-building and the professionalization of the foreign service.
In conclusion, the President conveyed a forward-looking message of confidence to the people of Somaliland, indicating that further recognitions are anticipated in the near term. He further noted that a number of states are prepared to engage Somaliland through partnerships and frameworks that, in substance, approximate formal diplomatic recognition.
