The Czech Republic has joined a growing list of countries interested in forging ties with the Republic of Somaliland.
A high-level delegation consisting of Czech diplomats, businessmen, and intellectuals are currently in the country on a fact-finding mission.
The delegation is being led by Hynek Kmoníček, the Chief Foreign policy advisor to the President of the Czech Republic. Kmoníček is also the Director of the International Department at the Office of the President.
On Saturday, Kmoníček and his delegation met with Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Saad Ali Shire, and senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides reportedly discussed establishing bilateral relations, potential scholarships for Somaliland students and humanitarian aid for Somaliland’s drought victims.
The delegation also met with President Silanyo on Friday at the Presidential Palace. Speaking to press after the meeting, the delegation said they were ‘happy to be in Somaliland and excited to foster cooperation with their Somaliland counterparts’.
This is the first time a delegation from the Czech Republic has ever visited the Republic of Somaliland.
Kmoníček – who has been hailed as one of the most prominent political voices of the Czech Republic – is the highest-ranking Central European diplomat to visit the country.
This visit from the Czech delegation is certainly good news for the Republic of Somaliland, and its quest for international recognition as a sovereign state.
