Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland Holds Key Meeting with High-Level Delegation from the Swedish Parliament

The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland and Acting President, Hon. Mohamed Ali Aw Cabdi, today received at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa a large delegation from the Parliament of Sweden, accompanied by senior officials representing the ruling coalition parties. The Swedish delegation was in Somaliland on an official visit.

The Vice President was joined in the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Abdirahman Dahir Aadan, and Somaliland’s Representative to Sweden, Hon. Zakariye Hassan Wacays.

Members of the Swedish delegation included:

1. Magnus Oscarsson (MP)


2. Mikael Oscarsson (MP)


3. Mathias Bengtsson (MP)


4. Dan Hovskär (MP)


5. Annicki Oscarsson (Party Official)


6. Natalie Oscarsson (Party Official)


7. Katrin Hovskär (Party Official)


8. Natalie Oscarsson (Party Official)


9. Mikael Torstensson (Special Envoy of Somaliland to Sweden) and his wife, Elisabeth Torstensson.



The purpose of the Swedish Parliament delegation’s visit was to assess Somaliland’s social development, democratic progress, efforts toward international recognition, peace and good governance, as well as investment and cooperation opportunities between Somaliland and Sweden.

The Vice President warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for their visit to Somaliland.

He briefed the Swedish delegation on Somaliland’s historical journey to independence, explaining how the people of Somaliland, through a public referendum, reclaimed their sovereignty on May 18, 1991, after the collapse and devastating consequences of the union with Somalia.

The Vice President emphasized that Somaliland has fulfilled all the criteria required for international statehood and recognition. He urged the Swedish Government and Parliament to play a meaningful role in advocating for international recognition of Somaliland, stressing that the country fully deserves recognition as a peaceful, stable, and democratic state that has governed itself independently for 34 years.

Both sides also held detailed discussions on:

Investment opportunities in Somaliland, including expansion of the Berbera Port, renewable energy, livestock, agriculture, fisheries, and economic infrastructure development.

Social development cooperation, particularly in the sectors of health, water, and education.

Humanitarian issues, with the Vice President reiterating Somaliland’s commitment to human rights protection and care for vulnerable communities.


The Swedish delegation expressed deep interest and understanding of the Somaliland cause, commending the nation’s peace, stability, and democratic governance. They pledged to initiate a strong parliamentary debate and advocacy in Sweden to support Somaliland’s right to international recognition.

Furthermore, the delegation promised to urge the Swedish Government to formally recognize Somaliland and to extend full support to social and economic development programs in the country.

In conclusion, the Vice President thanked the delegation for their visit and for their interest in the Somaliland cause, stressing that the quest for recognition is rooted in justice and the legitimate aspirations of the people. He underscored that Somaliland’s recognition is crucial for peace and stability across the entire Horn of Africa region.