President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi leads a high-level delegation to Washington to build on recent diplomatic milestones, expand security cooperation, and pursue international recognition
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi arrived in Washington, D.C., leading a high-level government delegation to advance international recognition, attract foreign investment, and strengthen bilateral security cooperation with the United States.
The diplomatic mission follows Israel’s landmark announcement recognizing Somaliland, marking its first formal recognition by a UN member state. Concurrently, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced key diplomatic appointments, naming Sharmarke Gele—a senior diplomat with over 15 years of experience and former Deputy Ambassador to Kenya—as the new envoy to Ethiopia.
President Abdillahi travels alongside the First Lady and a delegation including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Aviation and Airport Development, and Defense, alongside senior economic and foreign policy advisers. Representatives from the Somaliland diaspora and supporters in the United States greeted the delegation upon arrival in Washington.
During the working visit, the delegation plans to hold meetings with U.S. officials, lawmakers, and international partners. Discussions will focus on strengthening diplomatic relations, security cooperation, trade, investment, and advancing Somaliland’s strategic role along the Red Sea corridor.
The Somaliland delegation’s visit to Washington coincides with scheduled travel by a federal delegation from Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The 81st UN General Assembly session opens on September 8, with high-level general debates scheduled from September 22 through September 28, 2026.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. While it has operated as a self-governing entity with its own administrative, judicial, and security structures for over three decades, broader international recognition remained limited until recent diplomatic developments. Somaliland authorities state that their engagements in Washington aim to showcase the territory’s democratic stability and strategic importance to international partners.
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