WASHINGTON, D.C. (Somali Report) – US President Donald Trump has said Somaliland and Somalia are two completely different countries, clarifying that his comments about Somalis and problems he says they have caused in the United States were not directed at Somaliland.
Trump referred to “Somalia-land,” saying he did not mean Somaliland because he considers it a completely different country from Somalia. He added that some people might misunderstand his use of the term as referring to Somaliland.
“I call it Somalia-land, not Somaliland, because Somaliland is a completely different country. Some people like Somaliland, so I don’t mean that. Somaliland and Somalia have nothing to do with each other. I think it would be good if Somaliland changed its name quickly,” Trump said.
Somaliland’s presidency welcomed Trump’s remarks, saying they reinforced the territory’s distinct identity and its political differences from Somalia.
“The Republic of Somaliland remains committed to pursuing international recognition through principled diplomacy and constructive engagement with the international community,” the presidency said in a statement.
The remarks come amid Somaliland’s continued efforts to secure international recognition for its independence.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro, recently travelled to the United States as part of a diplomatic campaign to strengthen relations with Washington and seek support for recognition.
During his visit to Washington, D.C., and other locations, Irro held meetings with American officials and politicians to discuss relations between Somaliland and the United States.
Irro has also urged Trump to recognize Somaliland, saying such a decision could open a new chapter in history for the American president. He made the appeal in an interview with Breitbart News published on Monday.
