President Irro Hosts Major Independence Celebration in Hargeisa with Foreign Delegations.
HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro attended a major national celebration at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa marking the 35th anniversary of Somaliland’s restored independence on May 18.
The ceremony was described by Somaliland officials as the first May 18 celebration held since Somaliland achieved formal international recognition, a development leaders said brought pride, confidence and national unity to the Somaliland public.
The event gathered senior government officials, lawmakers, foreign diplomats, international delegations and members of civil society, including representatives from Israel, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.
Israeli Delegation and Foreign Diplomats Attend Somaliland Ceremony
A senior delegation from Israel joined the anniversary celebrations alongside ambassadors representing Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan in Somaliland.
Officials from Somaliland’s House of Representatives, House of Elders and Supreme Court praised efforts by the Somaliland government to strengthen international recognition, peace and national development.
UK MP Gavin Williamson Praises Somaliland Recognition Efforts
Gavin Williamson told attendees that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland was the “right decision,” praising Somaliland’s democracy, stability and political progress in the Horn of Africa.
Williamson said Somaliland deserved broader international engagement and diplomatic support, highlighting the territory’s role in promoting peace and democratic governance in the region.
Somaliland Vice President Highlights National Unity and Democracy
Somaliland Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi said May 18 symbolizes the struggle and determination of the Somaliland people to restore their independence.
He added that Somaliland citizens had succeeded in building peace, democracy and development despite longstanding political challenges.
President Irro Says Netanyahu Sent Independence Day Congratulations
President Irro described May 18 as a symbol of sovereignty, unity, progress and the will of the Somaliland people.
The Somaliland president also revealed that he held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who asked him to convey Independence Day congratulations to the people of Somaliland.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
News Desk Hargeisa
