Hargeisa, Somaliland — The President of the Somaliland, His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, today hosted Ms. Nelli Mikkola, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland to Somaliland and Somalia, for a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The meeting reaffirmed the enduring spirit of partnership between Somaliland and Finland, with both sides emphasizing strengthened bilateral cooperation in key areas such as peacebuilding, democratic governance, and sustainable development.
President Irro expressed his appreciation for Finland’s consistent support to Somaliland’s social sectors and peace efforts.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to stability and inclusive dialogue, citing early achievements including the institutionalization of the Civil Defense Forces, the launch of a national digital census, reforms within the national armed forces, and the peaceful resolution of conflict in the El-Afweyn District.
Highlighting priority areas for continued collaboration, the President pointed to healthcare, education, vocational training, and institutional capacity-building as key sectors where Finland’s support could have lasting impact.
Ms. Mikkola praised Somaliland’s peaceful electoral process and the orderly transition of power, describing them as a regional benchmark.
She commended President Irro’s leadership in easing tensions in the eastern regions and confirmed Finland’s readiness to further support Somaliland’s peace and development agenda.
The Finnish envoy also extended a formal invitation for President Irro to visit Finland, recognizing his longstanding personal ties to the country.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing Somaliland–Finland relations in the pursuit of peace, prosperity, and democratic progress.