Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Dahir Aden Bakaal, said that Ethiopia has the right to access the sea route, noting that Somaliland is ready to discuss these needs with the Ethiopian government.
In an interview with the Ethiopian newspaper The Reporter, the minister said that Somaliland fully understands Ethiopia’s need for a sea route and a port to use, and is always ready for dialogue on these issues.
“We are ready to discuss with the Ethiopian government their needs for a port or sea route. We understand their needs, they are our brothers, if there is a way we can help them, we are ready,” the minister said.
Abdirahman Bakaal also said that the relationship between Somaliland and Ethiopia is historic and growing stronger, describing Ethiopia as Somaliland’s closest friend and ally in the Horn of Africa region.
The minister said that the Port of Berbera and the trade corridor connecting Ethiopia are still ready for Ethiopia to fully utilize, noting that the port’s capacity has not yet been fully utilized.
Speaking about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia in January 2024, he said that the government of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) has not made any changes in its policy towards Ethiopia, and remains ready for any dialogue that is in the interest of both parties.
The minister also expressed hope that Ethiopia will recognize Somaliland in the future, although he said that Somaliland will not put pressure on Addis Ababa. He argued that Ethiopia will finally realize that Somaliland is a stable, peaceful country, and a reliable partner.
Meanwhile, he said that Somaliland does not host foreign troops, noting that the Somaliland-Ethiopia border is one of the most secure borders in the region.
In the interview, he also criticized the Federal Government of Somalia, claiming that Somaliland is an independent country that regained its independence in 1960, while describing Somalia as a country that has long struggled with instability and insecurity.
The Somaliland Foreign Minister finally called on the African Union and regional countries to seriously look at the issue of Somaliland, saying that the reality on the ground shows that Somaliland is a stable country worth working with.
