MOGADISHU — Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar (Ali Balcad), said the Somali government is maintaining regular discussions with the United States on Somalia’s territorial integrity, national security and the strengthening of strategic relations between the two countries.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ali Balcad said Mogadishu is closely monitoring emerging debates over the possibility of Washington changing its policy toward Somaliland.
He stressed that statements from individual members of the U.S. Congress should be distinguished from official policy decisions by the U.S. administration, noting that political campaigns, media reports and formal government decisions should not be treated as the same.
Ali Balcad reiterated Somalia’s position that the United States continues to recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, with Somaliland considered part of Somalia.
He also highlighted Somalia’s strategic importance to the United States, particularly in the fight against terrorism, maritime security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The State Minister argued that Washington’s long-term interests would be better served by a stable and united Somalia, rather than developments that could contribute to further fragmentation and instability in the region.
His remarks come amid renewed discussions in U.S. political circles over Washington’s future approach to Somaliland and its broader policy toward the Horn of Africa.
