On the fourth day of his working visit to Qatar, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), led a high-level delegation through a series of significant meetings with senior Qatari officials and development institutions — signaling deepening bilateral ties and growing international engagement with Somaliland.
President Irro met with the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, for key diplomatic discussions centered on bilateral cooperation, regional security, and Somaliland’s independent status.
During the meeting, the Somaliland delegation reaffirmed the country’s long-standing position: Somaliland is not part of the Federal Government of Somalia, but rather a self-governing, stable, and independent state for the past 34 years. The dialogue reflected an evolving diplomatic recognition of Somaliland’s unique position in the region.
Trade and Investment Prospects Take Center Stage
In a separate session, the delegation held talks with Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Sayed. President Irro emphasized Somaliland’s investment-friendly climate, particularly in the sectors of livestock, fisheries, agriculture, petroleum and mining, infrastructure, and energy.
The president highlighted Somaliland’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, offering unmatched potential as a trade hub. The talks explored possibilities for Qatari investment and trade partnerships in these key sectors.
Development Support via Qatar Development Fund
President Irro and his team also engaged with the leadership of the Qatar Development Fund (QDF), where discussions focused on development cooperation in education, healthcare, water infrastructure, youth employment, and small-scale industries.
Somaliland reaffirmed its readiness for structured cooperation with QDF to promote inclusive growth and improve community livelihoods, with both sides agreeing on priorities for sustainable development.
Qatar Charity Pledges Expanded Humanitarian Work
The delegation concluded the day with a meeting with Mr. Yusuf Ibn Ahmed Al-Kawari, head of Qatar Charity (Qatar Al-Khayriya). President Irro’s team expressed gratitude for the organization’s ongoing development and humanitarian efforts in Somaliland.
In response, Qatar Charity pledged to double its activities and aid operations across Somaliland — a commitment that underscores growing confidence in the country’s governance and stability.
President Irro’s Qatar visit marks a pivotal moment in Somaliland’s diplomacy and development strategy. The meetings not only affirmed Somaliland’s status and ambitions but also opened up new avenues for economic growth and humanitarian cooperation.
Waryaa TV
