TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland announced a commitment of US$22 million to design and construct a medical center at the Hargeisa Group Hospital in Somaliland’s capital during a ceremony on Saturday (Oct. 12). 

The budget would also provide the facility with the necessary medical equipment to care for patients, according to the representative office.  The Taiwan Medical Center will be a two-story building with 97 beds to increase the hospital’s capacity to nearly 600 beds, Representative Allen C. Lou said in a speech.

“The construction of the Taiwan Medical Center is a major step that complements the people-centered Taiwan’s Model of Cooperation. Our vision is to synchronize and synergize the existent projects implemented by Taiwan Technical Mission and Taiwan Medical Mission,” Lou said. He added that the facility would strengthen the Taiwan-Somaliland friendship and bilateral cooperation in public health based on the principles of equality and reciprocity.  

The representative hoped to deepen medical and human resources development with the East African nation. He pointed out that cooperation with Somaliland extends to education, agriculture, and ICT.

Last month, Lou said Taiwan began building the “Taiwan Road,” which connects the nation’s Egal International Airport to the capital city, Hargesia. He said the Taiwanese government will provide US$1.85 million, approximately 70% of the total cost, with Hargeisa Municipality covering the remaining 30%.

The two countries mutually set up representative offices in 2020 to boost closer ties.