Somaliland President attends World Governments Summit in Dubai for second year

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Somaliland President attends World Governments Summit in Dubai for second year

 

Wednesday February 4, 2026

Dubai (HOL) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro on Tuesday attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai for the second consecutive year, underscoring Hargeisa’s continued push for international visibility despite opposition from Somalia’s federal government.

The annual summit brings together global political leaders, major corporations and international institutions. Organizers said this year’s forum includes representatives from the International Monetary Fund and the International Finance Corp., part of the World Bank Group, alongside delegations from more than 150 governments and over 35 heads of state and government.

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In a statement, the Somaliland Presidency said Irro’s participation reflects what it described as Somaliland’s growing role in international forums and its determination to present its political vision directly to the global community.

The presidency said the Somaliland leader is expected to hold meetings with senior international officials during the summit, focusing on development, stability and Somaliland’s long-term future. It added that the event offers Somaliland an opportunity to showcase its experience in peacebuilding and governance on a global stage.

According to the statement, Irro’s delegation includes the ministers of foreign affairs and international cooperation, the presidency, minerals and energy, and religious affairs and endowments, as well as the head of the presidential office, Somaliland’s representative to the United Arab Emirates and the president’s foreign affairs adviser.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized, has increasingly sought participation in high-profile global events as part of its diplomatic strategy.

Its presence at the Dubai summit has previously angered Somalia’s federal government. Last year, Mogadishu said it raised objections with the United Arab Emirates over Somaliland’s participation and sought assurances that Irro would not be invited again.

Relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi later deteriorated sharply after Somalia accused the UAE of backing Israel recognition efforts for Somaliland and of facilitating the transit of Yemeni separatist figures through Somalia without the knowledge of federal authorities.

In response, Somalia nullified several security and port agreements with the UAE, prompting Abu Dhabi to withdraw its security personnel from the country. The fallout highlighted the broader regional tensions surrounding Somaliland’s international engagements and Somalia’s efforts to defend its territorial integrity.

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Somaliland President Engages Global Leaders in Dubai, Meets Prince Edward

By: Mohamed Duale

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Horndiplomat) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai, joining global leaders and senior international figures in high-level engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation and expanding Somaliland’s international outreach, officials said.

The annual summit brings together heads of state and government, ministers, international organisations and business leaders from around the world to discuss governance, economic transformation, innovation, security and sustainable development.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Irro held a high-level dinner meeting with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, the brother of King Charles III, in what Somaliland officials described as a significant diplomatic engagement highlighting the country’s growing international presence.

 

President Irro shakes hands with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, during a high-level dinner meeting on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai

The dinner was also attended by Sir Gavin Williamson, a Member of the UK Parliament and a close friend of the Republic of Somaliland, who has been a long-standing supporter of stronger engagement between Somaliland and the United Kingdom.

Somaliland officials said the meeting reflected a high level of diplomatic interaction and international respect, and underscored the historical relationship between Somaliland and the United Kingdom, which continues to shape cooperation based on mutual trust and people-to-people ties.

President Irro expressed appreciation for Williamson’s continued support for Somaliland and its people, noting his role in raising Somaliland’s profile in political and policy discussions in Britain and beyond, according to a statement from the presidency.

Discussions during the dinner focused on strengthening cooperation in governance, development, security and social relations, with participants emphasising the importance of expanding collaboration built on shared interests and long-term stability.

At the World Governments Summit, President Irro is also holding meetings with regional and international leaders to promote cooperation, investment and strategic partnerships. Somaliland officials said the president is using the platform to present Somaliland’s experience in peace-building, democratic governance and institution-building.

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President Irro shakes hands with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, during a high-level dinner meeting on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai

President Irro shakes hands with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, during a high-level dinner meeting on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai

President Irro reiterated that Somaliland is committed to peaceful coexistence, dialogue, mutual respect and international cooperation, stressing that his government seeks engagement with global partners to advance sustainable development and regional stability.

Somaliland, which has operated its own government, security forces and democratic institutions for more than three decades, says its participation in the Dubai summit and related diplomatic engagements demonstrates its increasingly active role in international diplomacy and its efforts to deepen relations with longstanding partners, particularly the United Kingdom.

© 2026 Horn Diplomat Media

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Somaliland leader seems to be on the role these days  the UAE  sat the president next to the general secretary of the GCC  the Eygptians and some of the saudis are angry with this., its seems the UAE are making a statement here

 

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Somaliland President: "We Have Minerals Israel Needs" – Big Trade Deal Coming! APT

 

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