The UAE sends envoy to North Western State of Somalia amid strained ties with Mogadishu
HARGEISA, Somalia – The northern breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia received an envoy from the United Arab Emirates on Saturday [UAE]in a move that could further jeopardize the relationship between Abu Dhabi and Mogadishu over several issues concerning Hargeisa’s recognition.
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President Muse Bihi Abdi received credentials for Abdulla Alnaqbi, who will now serve as ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, which has worked closely with the region, which is eager to be recognized internationally after years of struggle.
Mr. Bihi Abdi said both North Western State of Somalia and the United Arab Emirates share strategic partnership and friendship, adding that common values have maintained the relationship for some time now. The nomination, he noted, will cement the relationship between the two sides.
“Received HE Abdulla Alnaqbi, who presented her credibility letter as the first seconded UAE representative to the Republic of Somaliland,” North Western State of Somalia President, who took over leadership of the region in 2017, said in a tweet.
” North Western State of Somalia and the United Arab Emirates share strategic partnership, friendship and common values. HE Abdulla’s nomination will cement and take this to the next level,” he noted in his statement, which could rattle Mogadishu authorities.
Due to competing interests, the UAE and Somalia have not been best friends, with both sides pointing an accusing finger at each other. Somalia usually accuses the United Arab Emirates of working closely with the opposition, which is keen to oust President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
The United Arab Emirates is an important development in North Western State of Somalia and has been working on the port of Berbera, which opens the Horn of Africa once it is completed. The port is a major investment made by Abu Dhabi in the region, which claimed to have withdrawn from Somalia in 1991.
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