WASHINGTON (SD) – The Somali Embassy in Washington has signed an agreement with one of the largest advocacy and lobbying firms in the United States. The agreement aims to support Somalia’s efforts against the recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

The Africa Report published the news, stating that the firm BGR secured a 12-month contract worth $600,000 to influence U.S. legal decisions related to Somaliland’s recognition.

The Somali Embassy emphasized that the relationship between Somalia and the United States is strategic. “We continue to collaborate on fighting terrorism and other significant security issues. We also want to expand economic cooperation and bilateral relations,” the embassy told The Africa Report.

This agreement comes at a time when several Republican Party veterans are pushing for Somaliland’s recognition.

These include Tibor Nagy, the former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Peter Pham, the former Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region.

Additionally, last week, Republican Congressman Scott Perry, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to recognize Somaliland as an independent country.

Political analysts specializing in the Horn of Africa indicated that the U.S. move aims to counter China’s influence in the region.