By Jama Ayaanle Feyte
Athens, Greece – In a significant diplomatic development, the Government of Somaliland has received its first-ever invitation to the Athens Defence Summit (ADS), marking a milestone in its international engagement. The inaugural high-level conference, set to take place in Athens on May 20-21, 2026, will focus on the future of warfare and global security.
The Minister of Defence of Somaliland is scheduled to address the summit, presenting the government’s perspective on regional stability and security cooperation. This participation places Somaliland among a prestigious lineup of political leaders, military commanders, and defence industry executives from Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Africa.
The summit’s core themes—ranging from artificial intelligence in warfare to transatlantic cooperation—are particularly relevant to the Horn of Africa, a region grappling with maritime security challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Somaliland’s presence underscores the conference’s dedicated focus on the strategic relationship between the West and Africa.
Organized under the auspices of Greece’s Ministry of National Defence, the ADS features a distinguished roster of international speakers, including former EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. For Somaliland, the invitation represents a pivotal opportunity to build new alliances and contribute to critical discussions on sovereignty and deterrence at a key geopolitical crossroads.
