Somaliland opens representative office in Taiwan

The self-declared republic of Somaliland has opened a representative office in Taiwan.

"The bilateral accord between Somaliland and Taiwan is based on common values of freedom and democracy," Somaliland representative Mohamed Hagi said at a ceremony at the island nation's capital in in Taipei, news agency AFP reports.

Mr Hagi met the Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu on Tuesday ahead of the launch.

Taiwan opened its own office in Hargeisa on 17 August.

The two breakaway regions announced diplomatic relations in July, shrugging off furious protests from both China and Somalia.

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if needed.

Only 15 countries diplomatically recognise Taiwan over Beijing, although many nations maintain embassy equivalent trade offices in Taipei.

In Africa, only Eswatini has diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia during the 1991 civil war and compared to the southern regions it has thrived and has become a beacon of stability.

While some countries maintain informal ties with the breakaway region, Somaliland is not diplomatically recognised by any other nation.

Minister Wu wrote a new chapter in history at the Sept. 9 opening of the The Republic of #Somaliland Representative Office in #Taiwan. Our heartiest congratulations to @musebiihi, @HagiMohamoud & @AmbMohamedHagi for helping make possible this momentous moment in bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/zA1WRKoxpw

— ??? Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) ???????? (@MOFA_Taiwan) September 9, 2020