François Chihchung Wu
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
May 18, 2026
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Your Excellency Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal , Representative of the Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good evening!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, it is a great honor to attend this banquet in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Somaliland National Day. I extend my warmest congratulations and highest regards to the Republic of Somaliland on this auspicious occasion.
On the basis of the common values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, Taiwan and Somaliland mutually established representative offices in 2020. Over the past six years, we have closely cooperated and achieved fruitful results in such areas as agriculture, health care, ICT, talent cultivation, humanitarian aid, business, trade, energy, minerals, and infrastructure. Taiwan and Somaliland worked together to deliver 288 tons of rice to Somaliland for the people in need last year, and this mutual endeavor will continue this year. Alongside humanitarian projects, Taiwan Boulevard, officially open to traffic in July 2025, stands as a profound testament to our bilateral partnership, communities, and people-to-people relations.
I thank the Somaliland government for its staunch support of bilateral ties. Taiwan will steadily advance exchanges and cooperation across domains with Somaliland under the three pillars of integrated diplomacy—democracy, peace, and prosperity.
Following the general election in November 2024, Somaliland achieved another democratic milestone by securing the second peaceful transfer of power since declaring independence in 1991. In December 2024, I led a delegation as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te to attend the inauguration ceremony of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi. And last July, during Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakal’s visit to Taiwan, we witnessed the signing ceremony of a joint agreement on coast guard cooperation. The agreement symbolized a new phase in our bilateral security cooperation. It has helped achieve such policy goals as safeguarding Somaliland’s maritime security, combating smuggling and illegal fishing, developing the blue economy, and furthering job creation.
Since being officially recognized by Israel last year, Somaliland has achieved inspiring progress in expanding its international presence. Taiwan and Somaliland share the values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Taiwan looks forward to continuing to advance hand in hand with Somaliland, steadfastly promoting cooperation in all domains for the benefit of both our countries and peoples.
In closing, I wish Somaliland enduring prosperity. May all our guests enjoy the best of health, and may the Taiwan-Somaliland friendship grow and flourish. Thank you!