Hargeisa, Somaliland – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), today met at the Presidential Palace with General Dagvin Anderson, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the US Deputy Chief of Mission, Ambassador Justin Davis, and a high-level delegation they were leading on an official visit to the Republic of Somaliland.
This meeting, which was of significant strategic importance, focused on strengthening the cooperation between Somaliland and the United States, particularly in the areas of security, regional stability, and safeguarding the mutual interests shared by both sides in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
The President briefed the US delegation on the role the Republic of Somaliland plays in the security, stability, and strengthening of the democratic framework in the region. He noted that the Republic of Somaliland places particular emphasis on securing its borders, combating extremist groups, and ensuring the security of international maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden.
The US AFRICOM Commander, Mr. Dagvin Anderson, stated that Somaliland occupies a strategic location vital to the overall security of the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa region, emphasizing the importance of closer collaboration between the two sides.
Similarly, the US Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Justin Davis, commended Somaliland for the crucial role it plays in protecting regional peace and stability, maritime security, and noted that Somaliland possesses a well-organized military force and a stable political system.
The Deputy Chief of Mission expressed that the United States government considers it important to enhance cooperation in security sectors, develop security institutions, and grow the bilateral relations.
The President underscored that the Republic of Somaliland is fully prepared to work with the United States government to consolidate regional security and counter growing threats, particularly those arising from the power rivalry in the maritime domain of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, as well as the increasing activities of destabilizing groups in the region.
Furthermore, the President indicated that there is a broad opportunity available for the two countries, concerning the enhancement of cooperation in Defense, Economy, Investment, and essential public services. The President clearly demonstrated to the high-level delegation that Somaliland is a reliable partner for the United States, located in the most strategic position in the Horn of Africa.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland noted that the US Security and Strategic Interests in the Horn of Africa region are intrinsically linked to the Recognition of Somaliland, given that Somaliland is a country with a functioning democratic system, national armed forces that have safeguarded its security for over 30 years, and a location critical to US strategy for regional stability.
The meeting concluded with a full understanding that the two sides will strengthen security cooperation, elevate strategic operations, and work together to protect the stability of the Red Sea and the overall security of the Horn of Africa region, to enable a framework built on shared interests and sustainable, fruitful collaboration.
It is noteworthy that the US delegation, led by US Africa Command Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson and Deputy Chief of Mission Justin Davis, upon concluding their meeting with the President of the Republic of Somaliland in Hargeisa, were also taken to the Airport, the Berbera International Port, and the coastal city of Berbera for an inspection tour.
