WASHINGTON (SD) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has described his recent Washington visit as productive, telling Somalilanders in the United States that his meetings with U.S. officials, members of Congress and policy institutions generated what he called “goodwill, confidence and hope” for stronger relations, increased investment and progress toward international recognition.

Speaking at a meeting with the Somaliland diaspora in Washington, Irro outlined the main issues discussed during his U.S. visit, including diplomatic relations, security cooperation, economic development, investment and Somaliland’s strategic position in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Somaliland Foreign Ministry had previously said the visit was intended to strengthen diplomatic relations, security and economic cooperation, promote investment and build support for Somaliland’s recognition campaign.

The president emphasized the longstanding links between Somaliland and the United States, pointing to Somalilanders’ historical involvement in international trade, diplomacy and engagement with the wider world. He said his administration wants to develop a relationship with Washington based on mutual interests and cooperation rather than aid or dependency.

Irro’s Washington agenda has included meetings with U.S. policymakers and influential think tanks. On September 17, he met representatives of the Atlantic Council and the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, where discussions focused on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden security, shipping routes, international trade and opportunities for strategic cooperation. Somaliland also highlighted its democratic institutions and the strategic importance of Berbera in its presentation to U.S. policy experts.

On September 19, Irro met U.S. Senator Ted Cruz on Capitol Hill. According to Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting addressed Somaliland’s recognition campaign, U.S.-Somaliland relations and potential cooperation in security, economic development and regional stability. Cruz has previously advocated U.S. recognition of Somaliland and has argued that the territory’s geographic position gives it strategic importance for American interests.

In his meeting with the diaspora, Irro expressed appreciation for the community’s contributions to Somaliland’s development, including investment, social welfare, nation-building and advocacy for international recognition. He urged Somalilanders abroad to remain united and to contribute to peace and stability, warning against actions or rhetoric that could deepen internal divisions.

The president also spoke about domestic political challenges. He said his administration remains committed to peacefully resolving inter-clan disputes and expressed a desire to restore Las Anod to Somaliland’s control through peaceful means. The issue remains politically and territorially sensitive, particularly given the continuing dispute over the eastern regions.

Irro’s Washington visit began in early September and has involved a broad delegation including the foreign affairs, defence and aviation ministers, senior presidential advisers and other officials. Somaliland has presented the trip as a major diplomatic effort to communicate its political, economic and security priorities directly to American policymakers.

From Somaliland’s perspective, Irro’s description of the Washington visit reflects an effort to shift the recognition campaign toward a strategic partnership model. Rather than presenting recognition only as a question of Somaliland’s historical and political status, his administration is emphasizing what Somaliland could offer the United States in security, maritime cooperation, trade and investment.

Meetings with Senator Ted Cruz, the Atlantic Council, and the Foundation for Defence of Democracies give Somaliland access to influential U.S. political and policy circles. However, the reported “goodwill” and “hope” should be understood as the president’s assessment of the meetings, not as evidence that Washington has committed to recognizing Somaliland. The United States continues to maintain its formal policy regarding Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, even as it explores areas for practical engagement with Somaliland.

For Somaliland, the immediate diplomatic objective is therefore to turn increased attention in Washington into concrete cooperation and, ultimately, greater international support for its recognition campaign. The success of that strategy will depend not only on congressional and policy-community interest but also on decisions by the U.S. administration and the wider international community.