Somaliland has struck a deal with China, which is expected to improve trade between the two nations significantly.
As news on the deal broke out on Sunday, it also emerged that Hargeisa was questioned over its recent dalliance with Taiwan.
Somaliland and Taiwan have established diplomatic ties symbolized with the deployment of a representative in each other’s territory.
In the last week, China has sent delegations of top government officials and business leaders to Somaliland to meet with members of President Muse Bihi Abdi’s administration.
The recent delegation, which was led by Zhou Yuxiao, the Chinese Ambassador to China-African Cooperation (FOCAC), seems to have changed the hearts and minds of Somaliland’s leaders.
Mohamed Ali Bile, the Director General at the Ministry of Presidency, said Bihi and the Chinese delegation met in Hargeisa on Friday and agreed to improve relations between the two nations.
According to Director General Bile, the two nations agreed to strengthen Somaliland’s economy while improving trade and promoting development.
Nevertheless, it remains clear how China intends to treat Somaliland’s growing rapport with Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory.