Hargeisa, Somaliland – His Excellency President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Thursday received the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Safiya Saeed, for an official audience at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The meeting highlighted the enduring bonds between Somaliland and the city of Sheffield, home to one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most vibrant Somaliland communities. The President underscored that the diaspora has long played a vital role in strengthening relations and fostering mutual understanding between the two societies.
President Irro praised the Somaliland community in Sheffield for their resilience, unity, and sustained commitment to their homeland, noting that their contributions span across remittances, education, business investment, and political advocacy.
“Our community in Sheffield remains a living bridge of friendship and cooperation,” he said, reaffirming his government’s appreciation for their efforts in representing Somaliland abroad.
Councillor Saeed, herself of Somaliland heritage, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the shared history and values connecting Hargeisa and Sheffield. She reiterated her city’s pride in being home to a thriving Somaliland diaspora and pledged continued collaboration in cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives.
The visit marks yet another chapter in Somaliland’s growing engagement with its diaspora, who remain a cornerstone of the country’s economic and diplomatic resilience.