HARGEISA (SD) – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), and a delegation he is leading have departed on a working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where the President will participate in the annual World Governments Summit being held in Dubai.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland’s visit to the UAE is one of significant diplomatic importance, as he will represent the Somaliland nation at a global forum attended by more than 130 countries from around the world, international organizations, and other influential global leaders.

At this summit, the President will deliver a message regarding the Republic of Somaliland’s experiences in state-building, peace, democracy, and development. This will reinforce the important role that the Republic of Somaliland plays in the Horn of Africa region and the world at large.

During their stay in the UAE, the President and his delegation will hold meetings with global leaders and officials. The focus will be on developmental cooperation, investment, trade, security, and other matters of general importance to the Republic of Somaliland.

The participation of the Republic of Somaliland in this global forum, the World Governments Summit, once again demonstrates the increasing interest and confidence that the International Community has in the Republic of Somaliland.

The visit underscores Somaliland’s continued strategy of international engagement without formal recognition. Participation in the World Governments Summit places Somaliland alongside recognized states, reinforcing its claim to de facto statehood and normalizing its presence in global governance forums.

Although the summit does not confer legal recognition, appearing alongside over 130 governments, enhances Somaliland’s international visibility builds formal diplomatic capital strengthens arguments against political isolation this is consistent with Somaliland’s long-term approach of incremental legitimacy-building.

By emphasizing state-building, peace, democracy, and development, Somaliland is reinforcing its core diplomatic narrative stability in contrast to southern Somalia Democratic credentials (elections and peaceful transfers of power) Reliability as a regional partner. This messaging is targeted at international institutions, investors, and policymakers, not just governments.

The trip is less about symbolic attendance and more about strategic positioning—strengthening Somaliland’s diplomatic profile, economic partnerships, and long-term quest for international legitimacy, particularly through influential Gulf and global platforms.