Taiwan, Somaliland agree to establish Representative Offices

Taiwan government has reached a mutual agreement with the Somaliland government to establish Representative Offices in Somaliland.

While disclosing this at a press conference on Wednesday July 1st 2020, Taiwan Minister of Foreign affairs, Jaushieh Joseph Wu stated that the offices would be called Taiwan Representative Office and Somaliland Representative Office.

The mutual agreement based on bilateral friendship and a shared commitment to common values of freedom, democracy, justice and the rule of law, would see the two countries cooperate in the areas of fisheries, agriculture, energy, mining, public health, education and ICT.

According to Minister Wu, the Taiwan government’s attempt to expand its engagement with East Africa led to a consultation with the Somaliland government which finally resulted in the bilateral protocol signed on February 26, 2020, in Taipei by Minister Wu and Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Yasin Hagi Mohamoud to establish official Representative Offices.

Minister Wu further stated that official date for the opening of the offices would be decided after consultation with the Somaliland government, although preparations for the ceremony are ongoing.

Wu also expressed hope that establishing the representative offices would deepen the relationship between Tiwan and Somaliland government.

Minister Wu also stated that the two countries have had a history of collaboration since 2009 in areas such as maritime security, healthcare and education, through the Healthcare Personnel Training Program of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF).

Mr. Wu specifically mentioned 23 medical professionals from Somaliland who were trained in Taiwan, three young Somaliland students currently pursuing academic degrees in Taiwan under the Taiwan Scholarship program; and active Taiwan non-governmental organizations in Somaliland.

Also mentioned is free clinics that served 2,880 patients conducted in 10 regions of Somaliland by Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps.

Mr. Wu further said that the government of Taiwan is committed to promoting spirit of democracy and freedom while strengthening its collaboration with the Somaliland government.

“The government of Taiwan supports the Somaliland government in its efforts to advance democracy and freedom.

Taiwan is more than willing to implement development projects focused on capacity building through the TaiwanICDF in order to benefit the Somaliland people,” said Wu.

“Based on steadfast diplomacy, Taiwan is committed to showcasing its spirit of international fraternity,” he added.

Somaliland is an East African country with a population of 3.9 million. The country is rich in fishery resources and prides itself on its international fishing grounds as a result of its nearby waters.