MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar met U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to discuss counterterrorism and regional security amid Somaliland recognition lobbying efforts.
Omar thanked Cruz for the meeting and emphasized Somalia’s role in fighting terrorism and securing the Horn of Africa.
He said continuous U.S. support is essential to defeat al-Shabab and secure maritime trade routes in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.
“Let’s strengthen our partnership for a stable, prosperous Somalia,” Omar said. He did not confirm whether the Somaliland recognition issue was discussed during talks.
Cruz recently urged U.S. President Donald Trump to recognise Somaliland, citing peaceful elections and strategic location in the region.
He argued Somaliland could become a U.S. security partner by hosting an American military base near the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Cruz also accused China of backing Mogadishu to weaken Somaliland’s aspirations, referencing Somalia’s ban on travelers holding Taiwanese passports entering Somaliland.
The U.S. supports Somalia’s territorial integrity, aligning with the African Union, and does not formally recognize Somaliland despite regional cooperation on security.
The meeting signals Cruz’s openness to dialogue with Somali officials, even while continuing his campaign in Washington to support Somaliland’s independence.
Mogadishu used the meeting to reinforce its role in counterterrorism and the danger posed by unilateral recognition of Somaliland.
Somalia opposes any international move to recognize Somaliland, saying it would hurt the country’s unity and national sovereignty.
Washington works with both Mogadishu and Somaliland, offering security support, but it has avoided granting Somaliland diplomatic recognition under current policy guidelines.
