Somaliland and Taiwan Strengthen Ties as President Irro Lays Foundation Stone for the Taiwan Medical Center in Hargeisa

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), today officially laid the foundation stone for the Taiwan Medical Center and the modernization of Hargeisa Group Hospital, marking a major milestone in the growing partnership between Somaliland and Taiwan.

The project, funded by the friendly Government of Taiwan at a cost of $22 million, represents a landmark investment in Somaliland’s healthcare system. The new Taiwan Medical Center will feature 105 beds and three state-of-the-art operating theaters, doubling the surgical capacity of Hargeisa Group Hospital and significantly improving access to quality medical care for the people of Somaliland.

In his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Irro expressed deep gratitude to the Government and People of Taiwan for their continued support and friendship. He praised Taiwan as a trusted and reliable partner, highlighting that the new hospital stands as a powerful symbol of the strong diplomatic and developmental ties between the two Republics.

“The construction of this modern facility demonstrates the genuine friendship between our nations,” the President said. “Taiwan’s commitment to advancing healthcare and other essential services is a testament to its shared vision for the wellbeing of the people of Somaliland.”

The President emphasized that the project will provide high-quality healthcare services, reduce the need for overseas medical treatment, and elevate the overall standard of healthcare delivery in the country.

The Taiwan Embassy in Hargeisa also welcomed the launch of the project, describing the new facility as the first hospital in Africa to bear the Taiwan name. In a statement, the Embassy commended President Irro for leading the ceremony and reaffirmed Taiwan’s readiness to continue supporting Somaliland, particularly in health, education, technology, and skills development.

The Embassy further noted that the Taiwan Medical Center will serve as a platform for Taiwan to share its medical expertise with Somaliland and attract international partners to invest in the country’s healthcare sector. It also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government and People of Somaliland and all international organizations that contributed to the realization of this project.

Meanwhile, the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Director General of the Ministry of Health Development lauded Taiwan’s investment, describing it as a transformative step in strengthening national healthcare infrastructure. Dignitaries including Ministers, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the Mayor of Hargeisa, the Governor of Maroodi-Jeeh region, Dr. Edna Adan, and other guests also attended the ceremony, all applauding Taiwan’s role in Somaliland’s development.

The event concluded in a spirit of friendship and mutual commitment, with both Somaliland and Taiwan pledging to deepen their cooperation across multiple sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, technology, and democracy.