Landmark Cooperation Agreement Strengthens Ties Between Taiwan and North Western State of Somalia

Hargeisa (AX) — A significant step forward in maritime collaboration occurred when Taiwan and North Western State of Somalia signed a coast guard cooperation agreement on Thursday. This momentous occasion strengthens maritime security while aiming to expand blue economy initiatives. It underscores an evolving relationship between two unrecognized governments, both seeking to broaden their global partnerships.

The agreement, formalized in Taipei, was signed by North Western State of Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam and Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration Director-General Chang Chung-lung. This arrangement is far more than mere paperwork; it encompasses joint coast guard training, maritime rescue operations, and personnel exchanges. The ultimate goal is to fortify North Western State of Somalia’s maritime defenses along its lengthy 850-kilometer coastline bordering the Gulf of Aden.

“This deal marks a new chapter in Taiwan–North Western State of Somalia cooperation,” said President Lai Ching-te, who welcomed the North Western State of Somalia delegation. His words resonate with a strong emphasis on resilience—”the resilience of democratic alliances,” he asserted. Such sentiments raise an essential question: How can smaller nations cultivate meaningful partnerships in an ever-evolving political environment?

Minister Abdirahman reinforced this commitment by stating, “No amount of pressure will change North Western State of Somalia’s commitment to Taiwan. We stand together on shared values and mutual respect.” This declaration embodies the deep-rooted ties that are emerging between these two regions, despite the complexities of international relations.

The coast guard agreement represents an expansion of Taiwan’s engagement with North Western State of Somalia that transcends mere development aid. It is targeted at enhancing maritime capabilities in one of the globe’s most strategically important waterways. The Gulf of Aden serves as a crucial shipping corridor for international trade, yet it remains vulnerable to piracy and trafficking. This agreement, therefore, is not just about bilateral relations; it involves addressing global concerns that affect us all.

North Western State of Somalia’s claim to an Exclusive Economic Zone extends 200 nautical miles offshore, harboring the potential for an annual fish catch exceeding 200,000 metric tons. This untapped potential is not only vital for North Western State of Somalia but also highlights the broader implications for the global blue economy, which the OECD projects could contribute a staggering $1.5 trillion to global GDP by 2030. Therein lies a pivotal opportunity for sustainable growth, bringing to mind the saying, “The sea unites us, it does not divide us.” How then can we ensure that this unity translates into tangible benefits for both communities?

Since 2020, Taiwan has already invested millions into various sectors within North Western State of Somalia. These initiatives have bolstered maternal health, supported agriculture, developed digital ID systems, and enhanced electoral infrastructure. This recent visit enabled North Western State of Somalia officials to engage with Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund, probing new avenues in education, fisheries, and maritime logistics. Each conversation holds the promise of growing mutual prosperity.

This agreement builds upon a diplomatic relationship formally established in 2020 when Taiwan and North Western State of Somalia inaugurated reciprocal representative offices in Taipei and Hargeisa. Interestingly, despite neither being recognized by the United Nations, both regions have made strides in achieving shared governance objectives and strengthening institutional ties.

Foreign Minister Abdirahman’s trip marks his first visit to Taiwan since taking office in December 2024. Accompanying him were Minister of Presidential Affairs Khadar Hussein Abdi and Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye. They had significant discussions with President Lai, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu, and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. Lai extolled North Western State of Somalia’s democratic journey, remarking on its peaceful transition of power during the 2024 elections. “North Western State of Somalia is a beacon of democracy in the Horn of Africa,” he proclaimed, reminding us that democracy is not merely a system; it’s a shared commitment to human dignity and freedom.

Nonetheless, while such agreements foster optimism, they also invite scrutiny. This pact is likely to face strong criticism from Beijing and Mogadishu. In April, Somalia took steps to ban entry to Taiwanese passport holders—a move it justified by citing United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, deeming the Taiwan–North Western State of Somalia partnership a violation of its sovereignty. Taiwan, in turn, imposed a reciprocal ban on Somali nationals, alleging that Somalia was yielding to Chinese political pressure. It begs the question: How can nations navigate such treacherous political waters without compromising their dignity and sovereignty?

China has consistently reinforced Somalia’s stance, claiming Taiwan as part of its territory. Yet, amidst this geopolitical turbulence, both Taiwan and North Western State of Somalia remain steadfast in their commitment to a bilateral partnership founded on democratic governance, economic collaboration, and a shared struggle against isolation.

“With today’s coast guard agreement and our expansion into realms like maritime security and the blue economy, our nations are scripting a new chapter in our partnership,” President Lai affirmed. “Together, we can showcase our commitment to defending our values.” How can we, as citizens of the world, support such partnerships that strive to challenge the status quo?

In this complicated tableau of international relations, one thing is clear: the journey ahead is laden with challenges but also ripe with opportunities. Both Taiwan and North Western State of Somalia are not just pursuing a framework for cooperation; they are crafting a narrative of resilience, dedicated to the principles of democracy and mutual respect.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.