The British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, visited Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, on Tuesday, where he met Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), who called for stronger relations with London amid ongoing political and security challenges in Somalia.
The UK Ambassador was accompanied by Louise Hancock, the UK Government Representative at the British Office in Somaliland.
President Irro thanked the Ambassador for the historic relationship, longstanding understanding, and close cooperation between Somaliland and the United Kingdom.
“The President highlighted the UK’s support to Somaliland, particularly in areas including development, strengthening security institutions, infrastructure development, and promoting democratic governance,” said a statement from Somaliland presidential spokesperson Hussein Aadan Cige (Deyr).
The statement added that President Irro described the partnership between Somaliland and the UK as being based on “historical trust, mutual respect, sustainable cooperation, and shared interests.”
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in areas including water management and climate adaptation, energy development, security, education, healthcare, trade, investment, democracy, and strengthening state institutions.
The visit comes as Somaliland draws heightened tension after securing first international recognition by the State of Israel.
President Irro reaffirmed his government’s commitment to deepening relations with the United Kingdom, describing Britain as a long-standing strategic partner that has supported Somaliland in development, security, and institution-building.
The Somaliland president also reiterated that his administration’s pursuit of international recognition remains “irreversible,” saying it is based on legal arguments, historical background, and the will of the people of Somaliland.
He urged the United Kingdom to play a meaningful role in supporting Somaliland’s recognition efforts.
For his part, Ambassador Charles King said the UK government highly values its historic relationship and cooperation with Somaliland.
“The Ambassador praised Somaliland’s security, stability, democracy, and development achievements, describing it as a positive example in terms of peace, political stability, institution-building, democratic practices, and the holding of free and fair elections,” Deyr said.
The UK ambassador also confirmed that Britain would continue strengthening its cooperation and support for Somaliland.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further enhancing cooperation and the strategic partnership between Somaliland and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Somalia continues to face deepening political and security turmoil, with tensions between the federal government and some member states and the Mogadishu-based opposition, disputes over constitutional and electoral processes, and ongoing militant threats complicating efforts to achieve political stability and effective governance.