The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, today hosted a high-level delegation from the United States at the Presidential Palace. The delegation was led by the U.S. Ambassador, Richard H. Riley, and included the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Major General Brian Cashman, alongside senior officials and military officers.
During the meeting, President Muse Bihi extended his gratitude to the United States for its ongoing partnership and cooperation with Somaliland, particularly in the areas of security in the Horn of Africa and military collaboration. He emphasized that the visit reflects the growing strength of the bilateral relationship and reinforces shared aspirations for regional stability and development.
The U.S. delegation, represented by Ambassador Riley and Major General Cashman, acknowledged the President’s remarks and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on security and other strategic areas. They commended Somaliland’s democratic progress, the successful conduct of its recent joint elections, and the President’s leadership in fostering development and political maturity. The delegation also praised Somaliland for meeting all statehood criteria, despite its current lack of international recognition, and specifically applauded the President for accepting the National Electoral Commission’s election results.
The President was accompanied by key members of his administration, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Essa Kayd Mohamoud; Minister of Interior, Mohamed Kahin Ahmed; Chief of Defense Forces, Major General Nuh Ismail Tani; Chief of Intelligence, Mustafa Mohamed Hassan (Bacaluul); and the President’s Legal Affairs Advisor, Ms. Amal Abdillahi Awil.
The U.S. delegation included senior officials and military officers, among them Colonel Carl Benander, Andrew Kelly (Political Affairs Advisor), Colonel Brian Luti, Matthew Cassidy, and Sergeant Major Chadwick Forbes.
