President Lai meets Somaliland delegation to presidential inauguration

On the morning of May 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Republic of Somaliland to attend the presidential inauguration. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and Somaliland are partners that share the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, and that after four years of hard work, we are steadily seeing the results of collaboration in fields such as education, agriculture, energy, health, and information and communications technology. The president noted that Taiwan will expand our scope of cooperation with Somaliland and more like-minded countries to boost mutual development. As long as we uphold mutual assistance for mutual benefits, the president said, our bilateral friendship will deepen and we will further advance the well-being of our peoples, turning a new page for our prosperity and development.

A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:

I want to start by sincerely welcoming our distinguished guests on their first visit to Taiwan. Thank you for showing your support through action and taking part in the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao.

Taiwan and Somaliland are partners that share the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Since we mutually established representative offices in 2020, cooperation in fields such as education, agriculture, energy, health, and information and communications technology has deepened. After four years of hard work, we are steadily seeing the results of our collaboration in these fields. Through that process, we have built up a foundation of trust which allowed us to help each other and together overcome challenges during the unprecedented pandemic.

As Taiwan continues to forge ahead with our Africa Project, my administration will expand our scope of cooperation with Somaliland and more like-minded countries to boost mutual prosperity and development. I am confident that as long as we uphold mutual assistance for mutual benefits, our bilateral friendship will deepen and we will further advance the well-being of our peoples, turning a new page for our prosperity and development.

Thank you again for your visit. I hope you gain a stronger understanding of Taiwan during your time here and experience our free and democratic environment, as well as our richly diverse culture. 

First Deputy Speaker of the House of Elders Said Jama Ali then delivered remarks, first extending heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the people, government, and parliament of Somaliland to the president and vice president on their election. The first deputy speaker said that this remarkable achievement is a testament to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and the unwavering will of its people.

First Deputy Speaker Ali indicated that the relationship between Somaliland and Taiwan is built upon a foundation of mutual respect and shared values. Our commitment to democracy, freedom of the press, public opinion, and the rule of law, he said, not only guide our governance, but also serve as the bedrock of our bilateral cooperation.

The first deputy speaker emphasized that over the years, the bond between Taiwan and Somaliland has grown stronger. He stated that our cooperation spans various sectors, building tangible benefits for both our nations and highlighting the genuine nature of our friendship, and added that Somaliland looks forward to continuing our partnership and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

First Deputy Speaker Ali stated that the success of Taiwan’s full-fledged democracy is an inspiration for us all, and Somaliland is proud to stand alongside Taiwan as friends and partners. He expressed confidence that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan will continue to thrive as a paragon of democracy and progress. 

Also in attendance at the meeting were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Rhoda Jama Elmi. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Somaliland Representative to Taiwan Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud.