As his diplomatic tour draws to a close, United Kingdom Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, paid a farewell visit to Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi’s successor, President Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail Irro.
In a statement shared on social media, Ambassador Nithavrianakis expressed his appreciation for the warm farewell and reflected on the positive working relationship the UK has maintained with Somaliland over the past two years.
“I’m delighted to have opportunity to say farewell to Somaliland President Irro as my tour comes to an end. We reflected on our excellent collaboration over the last two years and I congratulated him on his administration’s achievements in its first 100 days,” the Ambassador stated.
Ambassador Nithavrianakis has been a prominent figure in supporting development, governance, and stability efforts in Somaliland. His tenure saw deepened UK engagement in key areas such as education, humanitarian support, and institutional development.
The visit also marked a symbolic reaffirmation of the UK’s longstanding ties with Somaliland, even in the absence of formal diplomatic recognition.
President Irro, who assumed office earlier this year, has prioritized governance reforms, economic stabilization, and regional cooperation. The ambassador’s recognition of the new administration’s early achievements was seen as a boost to the government’s efforts and a gesture of continued goodwill from the United Kingdom.
The UK remains one of the most influential international partners in Somaliland, supporting programs that span from health and education to climate resilience.