Wednesday September 9, 2020
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Relations between Somaliland and Taiwan Tuesday went a notch higher following the opening of a diplomatic office in Taiwan.
The opening of the ‘representative office’ by Hargeisa in Taipei comes close to a month after Taiwan opened its office in Somaliland.
Taiwan Foreign Affairs Ministry lauded the opening of the office which was officiated by President Muse Bihi via video link and Taiwan Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Wu. Diplomatic officials from both sides also attended the ceremony.
“Minister Wu wrote a new chapter in history at the Sept. 9 opening of the The Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in #Taiwan. Our heartiest congratulations to @musebiihi, @HagiMohamoud & @AmbMohamedHagi for helping make possible this momentous moment in bilateral ties,” a tweet from Taiwan Foreign Affairs noted.
Taiwan opened its office in Somaliland August 17 in what has heralded a new round of tiff between China and the US.
“Great to see Taiwan stepping up its engagement in East Africa in a time of such tremendous need. Taiwan is a great partner in health, education, technical assistance, and more!” the US National Security Council said in a tweet July following the announcement of ties by Taiwan and Somaliland.
Both Mogadishu and Beijing have in the recent past dismissed the developments.