Somaliland has the right to determine its own international partnerships and will not be pressured into abandoning its relationship with Taiwan, officials from the self-governing Horn of Africa territory said on Thursday as they inaugurated a new representative office in Taipei.
The opening ceremony highlighted the deepening ties between Somaliland and Taiwan, two governments that have forged increasingly close relations despite lacking widespread diplomatic recognition and facing opposition from larger neighbors. The two sides established representative offices in each other’s capitals in 2020 and have since expanded cooperation in areas ranging from healthcare and education to technology and investment.
Speaking at the event, Somaliland’s representative to Taiwan said the territory’s leadership remained committed to pursuing foreign relations based on its own interests and priorities. He said Somaliland had the sovereign right to choose its partners and would continue working with governments and institutions willing to engage constructively with it.
The remarks come amid continuing criticism from both China and Somalia. Beijing opposes any official exchanges involving Taiwan, which it regards as part of its territory, while Somalia maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Somali state and therefore lacks the authority to conduct independent foreign relations.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the government in Mogadishu. Over the past three decades, it has developed its own political institutions, security forces and currency, operating separately from Somalia despite receiving little formal international recognition.
Officials in Somaliland argue that its relative stability, democratic elections and functioning state institutions justify broader international engagement. They have increasingly sought economic and diplomatic partnerships beyond the region as part of a long-term effort to gain recognition on the world stage.
Taiwan has emerged as one of Somaliland’s most important partners. Since the establishment of their representative offices, the two sides have launched cooperation programs in agriculture, public health, maritime affairs and information technology. Taiwanese funding and technical assistance have supported several development projects in Somaliland, while Somaliland has offered Taiwan a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa.
Taiwanese officials attending the opening ceremony praised the relationship and described Somaliland as a like-minded partner. They said the new office would strengthen communication, encourage trade and investment, and facilitate greater exchanges between businesses, students and government agencies.
China has repeatedly criticized the partnership, warning that any official interaction with Taiwan undermines the “One China” principle. Beijing has used diplomatic and economic pressure in recent years to limit Taiwan’s international space, persuading several countries to switch recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
Somalia has also protested the relationship, arguing that foreign governments should respect its territorial integrity. Officials in Mogadishu have previously condemned agreements signed between Taiwan and Somaliland, saying they violate Somalia’s sovereignty.
Despite those objections, Somaliland officials said there was broad political consensus at home in support of maintaining ties with Taiwan. They argued that international cooperation was essential for economic development and that external pressure would not alter their foreign policy decisions.
The opening of the larger Taipei office reflects Somaliland’s growing diplomatic ambitions as it seeks to raise its international profile and attract investment. While formal recognition remains elusive, officials say practical partnerships with countries and territories willing to engage with Somaliland can help advance its economic and political objectives.
For Taiwan, the relationship offers another opportunity to expand its international network at a time when Beijing continues to intensify efforts to isolate the island diplomatically. Taiwanese officials have increasingly emphasized partnerships based on shared values and mutual interests, particularly with governments and territories seeking alternatives to China’s influence.
As guests toured the new office following the ceremony, officials from both sides expressed confidence that cooperation would continue to deepen, even as the partnership remains a source of tension in the wider diplomatic contest involving Taiwan, China and Somalia.
