HARGEYSA (KAAB TV) – Somaliland has expressed strong disapproval of recent remarks made by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart.
The comments, which touched upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia, were described as “inaccurate and misleading” by Somaliland’s government, which also accused the Egyptian minister of disregarding the sovereign rights of the Somaliland people.
In a statement released today, Somaliland reaffirmed its commitment to the MoU with Ethiopia, emphasizing that the agreement is based on mutual respect and shared interests.
“This deal reflects the shared interests and mutual respect between our two nations,” the statement read. “We view this partnership as a cornerstone of regional stability and economic cooperation.”
Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized by the international community but has maintained its own government, borders, and institutions since that time.
The statement further underscored this distinction, noting, “It is imperative to clarify that Somaliland is not, and has never been, part of the Mogadishu administration. We are a distinct and independent nation with a rich history, culture, and democratic institutions.”
The Somaliland government also issued a stern reminder to Egypt to respect its sovereignty, calling on Cairo to concentrate on pressing issues within its own region.
“We call upon the Egyptian government to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Somaliland,” the statement urged.
“We are calling on the government of Egypt to focus its energy and diplomatic efforts on the crises surrounding its borders, such as Libya, Sudan, Palestine, and Lebanon.”
The Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they are determined to continue their journey toward full international recognition saying “unfounded claims or interference in our internal affairs will not deter us.”
As its officials state, the MoU with Ethiopia remains a key part of the Somaliland’s strategy to seeking recognition, as Somaliland seeks to strengthen its role in the region and assert its position on the global stage.