Lawmakers Establish Parliamentary Amity Association with Somaliland

Taiwan and Somaliland established representative offices in each other’s territories three years ago, but due to COVID, bilateral exchanges were rather limited.

On Friday, lawmaker in Taiwan established a parliamentary friendship association to boost ties. The group is headed by Lin Ching-yi, who previously worked as a medical worker in Somaliland. Lin recently tested positive for COVID, so on Friday she voiced her hopes for the group in a prerecorded video message. Let’s hear from her.

Lin Ching-yi DPP lawmaker:

In face of China’s threats to our democracy, economy and peace, we are extremely grateful to have one more friend, Somaliland. Many countries in Africa are cooperating with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. But their engagement with that has led to economic and political problems.

Alexander Yui Vice foreign minister:

We adhere to the spirit of real diplomacy and mutual help when engaging with the international community. There’s cooperation in medicine, fisheries, agriculture and telecommunications. We also offer scholarships. Currently there are 50-something scholars from Somaliland studying in Taiwan. We want to deepen and broaden our cooperation.

Mohamed Hagi Somaliland representative to Taiwan:

Somaliland is the closest country to Taiwan in Africa. It’s poised to become Taiwan’s gateway to East Africa: 19 African countries with a combined population of 500 million people. Somaliland has been self-governing since 1991, when it declared independence from Somalia. It has abundant natural resources, including oil. Already Taiwan’s state-run refiner CPC has signed an agreement with the government of Somaliland to launch prospecting operations. Lawmakers hope the amity association will further boost Taiwan-Somaliland ties