TAIPEI (SD) The President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, received a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland, Dr. Isse Mohamud Kayd, and the two discussed trade cooperation, and the exploitation of Somaliland’s natural resources.

President Tsai Ing-wen said that Somaliland is their gateway to Africa, which could lead to the development of the investment that Taiwan wants to make in Africa, noting that Somaliland is in a strategic position.

“Somaliland is now an important location in East Africa for Taiwan’s Africa project,” said President Tsai.

On the Somaliland side, Minister Kayd said that if Taiwan increased its exports to Africa, it would benefit both sides.

“I welcome Taiwanese investors to our continent, we will all benefit, and Taiwan will increase its exports to Africa, and we will create more jobs for our youth,” he said.

He also suggested that Taiwan benefit from Somaliland’s natural resources.

“In the mining sector, Somaliland has huge potential for foreign investment, including hydrocarbon deposits, oil and gas, as well as coal, which can be easily explored,” he said. “We are encouraging maximizing trade and investment potential rather than aid dependency,” Kayd said.

Kayd also noted that the Taiwanese government could benefit from investing in Somaliland’s tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, adding that President Bihi hoped to visit Taipei to further strengthen bilateral ties.