Somaliland, Taiwan Strengthen Ties with 1st Joint Energy & Mineral Resources Cooperation Meeting
Partnership Highlights Mutual Benefits for Both Nations in Energy, Mineral Exploration, and Investment Opportunities
Robleh Mohamud Raghe
March 17, 2023
In a significant move to bolster cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland, the two nations convened their first Joint Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation Working Group Meeting on March 15, 2023. Held at the Somaliland Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MoEM), this event exemplifies the growing relationship between these two unrecognized yet resourceful countries.
Eugene Y.J. Chen, director-general of the Department of International Cooperation under Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and Fowsi Mohamed Farah, director-general at the MoEM, co-chaired the meeting. The talks yielded several agreements, including plans to hold training programs on oil, gas, and minerals exploration and exploitation, as well as sharing Taiwan's experiences in Africa's oil exploration and production. The two sides also agreed on energy and mineral resources policy exchanges, paving the way for closer bilateral cooperation in these vital sectors.
Somaliland and Taiwan took a significant step in their relationship by establishing representative offices in each other's countries in 2020. In 2022, they signed an Agreement on Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation, which laid the groundwork for the joint working group.
The initial meeting proved both productive and fruitful, with Taiwan sharing its valuable experiences in African exploration and production. The two nations also jointly developed capacity-building training programs to cultivate skilled talent in Somaliland, leading to an exchange of ideas on energy and mineral industry policy and international cooperation.
Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa, boasts untapped hydrocarbon reserves and occupies a geographically advantageous position along crucial shipping lanes connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. With its strong economic development potential, Somaliland offers numerous opportunities for mutually beneficial commercial engagement and partnerships with Taiwan.
Key takeaways:
The first Joint Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation Working Group Meeting demonstrates the strengthening ties between Taiwan and Somaliland.
Both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in energy and mineral sectors, including training programs and experience sharing.
Somaliland's untapped hydrocarbon reserves and strategic location present significant opportunities for mutually beneficial commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Robleh Mohamud Raghe is a writer, analyst, marketing executive, and former communications aide to the 4th President of Somaliland, Ahmed Silanyo. You can follow him on Twitter at @RM_Laf. For news tips and inquiries, feel free to reach out at [email protected]