The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland and Acting President of Somaliland, H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, today received a high-level delegation from the Swedish Parliament at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. The delegation also included senior officials from the ruling coalition parties in Sweden, who are on an official visit to Somaliland.
The Vice President was accompanied in the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Dr. Essa Kayd Mohamoud, and the Representative of Somaliland to Sweden, Mr. Zakariye Hassan Wacays.
The members of the Swedish delegation included:
Magnus Oscarsson (MP)
Mikael Oscarsson (MP)
Mathias Bengtsson (MP)
Dan Hovskär (MP)
Annicki Oscarsson (Party Official)
Natalie Oscarsson (Party Official)
Katrin Hovskär (Party Official)
Mikael Torstensson (Special Envoy of Somaliland to Sweden)
Elisabeth Torstensson (Wife of Mikael Torstensson)
The purpose of the delegation’s visit was to assess the current situation in Somaliland, particularly in areas such as social development, the democratic process, the push for international recognition, peace and stability, good governance, investment opportunities, and avenues for bilateral cooperation between Somaliland and Sweden.
The Vice President warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for their visit to Somaliland.
He provided the Swedish delegation with an in-depth historical overview of Somaliland’s independence, explaining how the people of Somaliland overwhelmingly voted in a public referendum on May 18, 1991, to reclaim their sovereignty following the collapse of the union with Somalia.
The Vice President emphasized that Somaliland has fulfilled all the criteria of statehood required for international recognition and called on the Swedish government and parliament to play an active role in advocating for Somaliland’s recognition. He stressed that Somaliland is a stable, peaceful, and democratic nation that has operated as an independent state for the past 34 years.
The two sides discussed a range of key issues, including:
Investment opportunities in Somaliland, such as the expansion of the Port of Berbera, renewable energy, livestock, agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure development.
Cooperation in social development sectors, particularly health, water, and education.
Humanitarian issues, with the Vice President reaffirming the Government of Somaliland’s commitment to protecting human rights and supporting vulnerable populations.
The Swedish delegation expressed strong interest and a deep understanding of Somaliland’s case. They praised the peace, stability, and democratic governance in the country. The delegation pledged to initiate robust discussions and advocacy within the Swedish Parliament concerning Somaliland’s right to be recognized as an independent state.
They further committed to urging the Swedish Government to formally recognize Somaliland and to support the country’s efforts in social development and economic infrastructure.
In conclusion:
The Vice President of Somaliland thanked the delegation for their visit and their genuine interest in Somaliland’s cause. He reiterated that Somaliland’s quest for recognition is rooted in justice and the legitimate aspirations of its people – a reality that cannot be ignored.
He underscored that international recognition of Somaliland would greatly contribute to lasting peace and stability in the entire Horn of Africa region.
ALL PRAISE IS DUE TO ALLAH
Hussein Aadan Cige (Deyr)
Spokesperson of the President of the Republic of Somaliland
By Warda
October 6, 2025
