Hargeisa (Hornpost) The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Hon Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro, today received at the Presidential Palace of Somaliland the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Somaliland and Somalia, Mr. Charles King, who is on an official visit to the country aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador was accompanied by senior officials from the UK’s diplomatic office in Somaliland.
The meeting focused on key issues of mutual interest, building on the longstanding and deep-rooted relationship between Somaliland and the United Kingdom—a partnership founded on peace, development, genuine collaboration, and strategic cooperation.
The President expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his visit and extended appreciation to the British Government for its historic support to Somaliland. He affirmed that Somaliland is ready to further strengthen its cooperation with the UK in the areas of peace, development, and mutual benefit.
President Hon Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro briefed Ambassador Charles King on the tangible steps his government has taken during its short time in office, including:
Integrating civil defense forces and providing them with vehicles,
Ending long-standing clan conflicts in the Ceel Afweyn area,
Implementing a nationwide census,
Enhancing and increasing the salaries of various units of the national armed forces.
The President Hon Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro, reassured the Ambassador that Somaliland is committed to resolving the security situation in the eastern regions of Sool and Sanaag through dialogue and negotiation.
He emphasized that since the inauguration of his government on December 12, 2024, he has extended an unconditional peace initiative and formed a National Peace Committee. He has repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in Eastern Sool and Sanaag.
The President Hon Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro, accused the Federal Government of Somalia, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, of playing a significant role in inciting conflict in the eastern regions of Somaliland, allegedly to distract from the numerous challenges facing his administration.
Other important discussion points during the meeting included:
Regional Peace and Security:
The President underscored Somaliland’s key role in regional stability and stressed the importance of supporting the government’s efforts to promote lasting peace and political stability in the Horn of Africa.
Strengthening Rule of Law and Good Governance:
Emphasizing the need to uphold justice and enhance transparency to build public trust in government institutions.
Economic and Trade Development:
Discussions also covered initiatives to boost economic activity and trade in the region.
Investment and Infrastructure Development:
Both sides talked about enhancing investment opportunities and improving economic infrastructure.
On his part, Ambassador Charles King reaffirmed the UK’s strong historical relationship with the people and government of Somaliland. He praised Somaliland’s economic potential—particularly that of Berbera Port—and highlighted the importance of encouraging private investment as a driver of economic growth.
The Ambassador commended Somaliland’s peace and stability, democratic processes, and recent efforts such as the formal integration of civil defense forces and strengthening security and public order.
However, he also expressed concern over the situation in Las Anod, warning that it could lead to further insecurity in the region. He stated that the UK Government urges all parties involved to avoid escalating the conflict.
The meeting concluded with mutual understanding and a commitment to further strengthen ongoing collaboration between Somaliland and the United Kingdom.
Hornpost staff reporter
