“High-level delegation advances economic and diplomatic ties”
By Goth Mohamed Goth
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, leading a high-level delegation, concluded a series of high-impact meetings on the fourth day of an official working visit to Qatar. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and attract investment to Somaliland. Over the past two days, the delegation engaged senior Qatari officials, including representatives from the Council of Ministers, the Qatar Development Fund (QDF), and Qatar Charity, to advance economic, developmental, and humanitarian cooperation.
Diplomatic Engagement with Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
President Irro and his delegation held a significant diplomatic meeting with H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Discussions centered on deepening bilateral relations, fostering economic collaboration, and enhancing regional security and stability. President Irro underscored Somaliland’s 34-year history of independence, emphasizing that Somaliland is a sovereign nation distinct from the Federal Republic of Somalia. The meeting highlighted Somaliland’s growing diplomatic engagement and its constructive ties with the international community.
Economic and Trade Opportunities Explored
The delegation held productive talks with H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Sayed, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry. Discussions focused on unlocking Somaliland’s economic potential in key sectors including livestock, fisheries, agriculture, petroleum, minerals, energy, and infrastructure. President Irro showcased Somaliland’s investor-friendly environment and its strategic location along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, positioning it as a future global trade hub. Both parties explored concrete pathways for Qatari investment to bolster Somaliland’s economy.
Development Partnerships with Qatar Development Fund
In talks with QDF leadership, the delegation identified opportunities for developmental support in critical areas: education, healthcare, water infrastructure, and youth empowerment through job creation and vocational training. Somaliland’s commitment to transparent, sustainable development was met with strong alignment, with both sides expressing commitment to future partnerships aimed at improving livelihoods and driving long-term growth.
Humanitarian Support Strengthened with Qatar Charity
The delegation met with Mr. Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, acknowledging the organization’s ongoing humanitarian and developmental projects in Somaliland. Mutual understanding was reached on all discussed priorities, with Qatar Charity pledging to double its humanitarian assistance and expand initiatives in Somaliland, further solidifying the partnership.
A Strategic Future for Somaliland-Qatar Relations
President Irro’s visit underscores Somaliland’s proactive strategy to position itself as a stable, democratic, and investment-ready nation. These meetings reflect Somaliland’s vision to leverage its abundant resources, strategic location, and 34 years of peace to attract global partnerships. The commitments secured signal a promising trajectory for enhanced cooperation between Somaliland and Qatar across economic, developmental, and humanitarian spheres
