Hargeisa — (Hornpost) The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), today held an important diplomatic meeting at the Presidential Palace with the Deputy Ambassador of the French Republic to Kenya, Mr. Romain Joly, who was leading a large official delegation on a formal visit to Somaliland.
Welcoming what was described as the largest French delegation ever to undertake an official visit to Somaliland, the President expressed his appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed Somaliland’s readiness to strengthen and expand bilateral relations with France. He highlighted priority areas for cooperation, including diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism, culture, and academic exchange.
The French delegation included Dr. Xavier Gutherz, a renowned international expert who has played a key role in raising global awareness of the historical and archaeological significance of Laas Geel, one of Somaliland’s most important heritage sites.
A central highlight of the meeting was President Cirro’s full endorsement of the French-funded project titled “Protection and Promotion of Somaliland’s Cultural and Archaeological Heritage”, aimed at safeguarding and developing Somaliland’s rich cultural legacy. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, the President presented Dr. Xavier Gutherz with a Certificate of Honor, commending him and his team for their sustained efforts in preserving and protecting Somaliland’s archaeological and historical heritage.
The President also briefed the delegation on Somaliland’s vast opportunities, emphasizing the country’s enduring peace, political stability, and democratic governance—factors he described as a solid foundation for meaningful, multi-sectoral cooperation between Somaliland and France.
Reaffirming Somaliland’s openness to deeper engagement, President Cirro underscored the government’s interest in broadening cooperation with France, particularly in advancing trade, encouraging investment, strengthening education, and promoting cultural ties.
For his part, Deputy Ambassador Romain Joly thanked the President for the warm reception and expressed France’s interest in enhancing its relationship with Somaliland. He further acknowledged and commended Somaliland’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
The meeting concluded with mutual understanding and a shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, with the aim of achieving sustainable partnerships that serve the long-term interests of both sides.
Horn post Analysis: Geopolitical Context
The meeting comes at a time of heightened international focus on the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical artery for global trade and maritime security. While the official readout did not explicitly reference these issues, France’s growing strategic engagement in the Horn of Africa gives the talks a broader geopolitical significance beyond routine diplomacy.
France, Ethiopia and Somaliland’s Strategic Position
France has played a notable role in supporting and training Ethiopia’s emerging naval forces, despite Ethiopia being a landlocked country.
This development has fueled regional analysis that Paris and its partners may be seeking stable and strategically located maritime access points. In this context, Somaliland’s long coastline, political stability and secure environment position as an increasingly relevant actor, even though no formal discussions on military base or naval facilities have been publicly disclosed.
Pictures of the meeting:
Prepared by:
Hornpost staff reporter
Hargeisa, Somaliland
