January 4, 2024
No. 005
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu met with a delegation led by Musa Hassan Yousuf, Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Somaliland, on the morning of January 4. The two exchanged views on issues including bilateral relations, democratic governance, and the electoral systems of both countries.
Minister Wu said that since mutually establishing representative offices in 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland had developed close relations and cooperated extensively in domains such as public health, agriculture, ICT, and women’s empowerment. He hoped that the visit would give the delegation a further understanding of Taiwan’s political and economic development as well as its electoral process. Minister Wu stressed that Taiwan and Somaliland were partners that shared the values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Both countries were committed to the path of liberal democracy despite pressures and challenges. Taiwan would continue to work closely with Somaliland to deepen bilateral ties.
In his remarks, Chairman Yousuf said that Taiwan was one of Somaliland’s most important international partners, and he thanked Taiwan for all the support it had provided Somaliland. Chairman Yousuf said the trip had given him a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s electoral system and procedures. He was particularly impressed by Taiwan’s efficiency in counting votes and quickly confirming election results on the same day as polling.
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Remus Li-Kuo Chen then hosted a luncheon for the delegation. Guests included Deputy Minister of the Interior Wu Tang-an, Central Election Commission Vice Chairperson Chen Chao-chien, Agency Against Corruption Deputy Director General Shen Feng-liang, and representatives of other agencies involved in electoral matters. The two sides engaged in a full exchange of views on the electoral structures and procedures of both countries. (E)