Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden has stated that the relationship between Somaliland and the United States is in its early stages, emphasizing that any engagement will be based on mutual interests, particularly Somaliland’s long-standing pursuit of sovereignty.
Minister Aden expressed optimism about growing ties with Washington in an interview with BBC Somali on Monday.
“We are very interested in and welcome the relationship between us and the United States. Right now, it is an initial relationship, and the most important thing is that the interests of Somaliland and the interests of the United States are compatible,” he said.
“It is important for us that any relationship we establish is based on the interests of Somaliland and the identity of Somaliland,” he added.
However, the minister declined to comment on reports suggesting Somaliland could exchange recognition for hosting a U.S. military base in Berbera. He also dismissed speculation that Somaliland had been approached about resettling Palestinians displaced from Gaza.
Both Somalia and its breakaway region of Somaliland have categorically rejected any proposals from the United States or Israel regarding Palestinian resettlement.
Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi previously affirmed Somalia’s position, stating that “any proposal or initiative, from any party, that would undermine the Palestinian people’s right to live peacefully on their ancestral land” would be rejected.
Regarding Somaliland’s ties with Ethiopia, Minister Aden reaffirmed that relations remain strong and unchanged. This comes as Somalia continues to reject Somaliland’s claims to independence, maintaining that its sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.
