Thursday /6/Augsto 2026 {HMC}Â A Somaliland government delegation led by Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali visited the headquarters of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany, where officials discussed defense cooperation, maritime security and stability in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland authorities said Thursday.
According to a statement from the Somaliland Ministry of Defense, the delegation also included Somaliland Coast Guard Commander Adm. Ahmed Hurre Hariye, senior adviser Farah Ahmed Habush and academic Abdiasis Ahmed.
The ministry said the talks focused on strengthening security cooperation between Somaliland and the United States, including expanding defense collaboration and enhancing the capabilities of Somaliland’s security institutions.
“The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic relationship between Somaliland and the United States, discussing ways to expand defense cooperation and develop the capabilities of security institutions,” the ministry said.
The discussions also covered maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, two of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, with both sides examining ways to counter growing security threats and protect international trade routes.
Officials also exchanged views on strengthening peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the importance of improving the operational capacity of military and security institutions to address regional security challenges.
According to the ministry, the meeting concluded with a preliminary understanding to continue expanding cooperation in defense and institutional capacity-building.
“This preliminary agreement is an important step toward strengthening maritime security and Somaliland’s role in promoting regional and international security,” the ministry said.
The meeting comes amid increased engagement between U.S. military officials and authorities in both Mogadishu and Hargeisa. While the United States maintains contacts with Somaliland on security matters, Washington continues to recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
