François Chihchung Wu
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
June 12, 2026
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Your Excellency Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaa, Representative of the Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan;
Distinguished members of the diplomatic corps;
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am honored to attend this meaningful reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony. I extend my warmest congratulations and highest regards to the Republic of Somaliland on this auspicious occasion.
In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland mutually established representative offices based on our shared values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. As the sixth anniversary of this important milestone fast approaches, we reflect on our close and fruitful cooperation. Under the three pillars of integrated diplomacy—democracy, peace, and prosperity—we have made significant gains in such domains as agriculture, health care, ICT, talent cultivation, humanitarian aid, business, trade, energy, minerals, and infrastructure.
Last year, during Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam’s visit to Taiwan, we witnessed the signing ceremony of a joint agreement on coast guard cooperation. The agreement laid the foundation for collaboration with like-minded countries to bolster maritime security with Somaliland.
The year 2025 also saw the joint completion of Taiwan Avenue in Hargeisa and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Taiwan Medical Center at Hargeisa Group Hospital. In addition, Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund has been working with Somaliland’s Ministry of Health Development to implement health information systems in major hospitals across Somaliland. These projects have enhanced infrastructure and health care for local people and highlight the solid relations between our two countries.
Taiwan and Somaliland are both beacons of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law in our respective regions. Moreover, Somaliland is Taiwan’s very first major partner in east Africa. Our bilateral cooperation model can serve as a valuable reference for neighboring countries and help pave the way for advancing Taiwan’s innovative and interactive frameworks in Africa.
The Somaliland Representative Office, newly located in Taiwan’s Diplomatic Quarter, symbolizes the staunch and cordial ties between our nations. In the future, I look forward to the steady deepening of bilateral collaboration in areas including maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and infrastructure. And I am confident that this new location will facilitate increased interactions and exchanges between the Somaliland Representative Office and the missions of other friends of Taiwan.
In closing, I wish our esteemed guests the best of health and happiness. May Somaliland continue to prosper and may the Taiwan-Somaliland partnership only grow and flourish. Thank you!