The government of Taiwan has announced plans to strengthen its diplomatic and trade ties with Somaliland.
The news comes as a welcome boost to the East African nation, which continues yearning for global recognition despite breaking away from Somalia 29 years ago.
Taiwanese government has announced that it would be setting up a representative office in Hargesia, which is Somaliland’s capital.
Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, tweeted this news on Wednesday.
In his tweet, minister Wu said the two nations share a deep longing for “freedom and democracy.”
Taiwan has been fighting a battle with China, from which it desires to break.
However, China continues to claim the island as part of its territory. To this end, it has proceeded to deny Taiwan the formal diplomatic recognition it craves.
Similarly, Somaliland broke free from Somalia in 1991. It had joined Somalia immediately following independence in 1960.
However, Somalia continues to claim Somaliland as one of its provinces and territories.
