TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Somaliland delegation’s visit is a testament to the East African country’s defense of freedom and democracy, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said on Wednesday (February 9). ).

In a meeting with the delegation, led by Somaliland Foreign Minister Essa Kayd Mohamoud, Wu expressed his gratitude for their visit despite the still raging COVID pandemic. He said the trip demonstrates that Taiwan and Somalia are not under tyrannical threat from the authoritarian system as they preserve their belief in democracy, according to a foreign ministry. Press release.

Wu congratulated Somaliland on its successful parliamentary elections last year and said the country is becoming a shining model of democracy in the Horn of Africa. He said he looked forward to continued bilateral cooperation in the future to deepen the friendship between Taiwan and Somaliland.

Taiwan’s foreign minister also said that Taiwan and Somaliland understand each other’s international situation. Therefore, Taiwan will continue to support Somalia’s democratic development and help promote bilateral cooperation projects in energy, information and communication, agriculture and medical care. , did he declare.

He also encouraged the two countries to further develop economic and trade exchanges as well as staff capacity building.

Mohamoud thanked the Taiwanese government and NGOs for their continued assistance to Somaliland during the pandemic and hailed Taiwan as an important partner. He said both sides share the universal values ​​of democracy, freedom and human rights, and that Somaliland’s determination to continue to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations will never be shaken by pressure. exterior.