TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday welcomed Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation.
Israel announced Friday that it had signed an agreement with Somaliland to establish full diplomatic ties, including the opening of embassies, per The Guardian. Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has spent decades seeking international recognition, per CNA.
The ministry said that both Israel and Somaliland are "like-minded democratic partners sharing the values of democracy, freedom, and rule of law." It said Taiwan looks forward to strengthening trilateral cooperation.
Since establishing representative offices in 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland have steadily deepened their relationship on a mutually beneficial basis. They have achieved significant cooperation in healthcare, education, agriculture, ICT, security, and energy and mineral development.
Taiwan has recently expanded collaboration with Somaliland in maritime patrols to jointly safeguard navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The ministry said it will continue building on existing friendly relations and seek further opportunities for cooperation with Israel and Somaliland.
