In an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash said that the emirates don’t have a consulate in Somaliland and that the country supports one Somalia.
The breakaway region of Somaliland has suffered a blow in its quest for international recognition after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — one of its key allies — said it supports the unity of Somalia.
In an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash said that the emirates don’t have a consulate in Somaliland and that the country supports one Somalia.
Mr Gargash also poured cold water on the recent controversial agreement between Somaliland, Ethiopia and UAE logistics giant DP World on the Somaliland Port of Berbera, arguing that UAE had signed the agreement with Somalia government of president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
In March, Ethiopia acquired a 19 per cent stake in the port for $80 million, while DP World and Somaliland took 51 per cent and 30 per cent stakes respectively.
But Mogadishu declared the agreement “null and void,” arguing that the deal was against the principle of unity of Somalia and that the responsibility to sign such agreements remained with the Federal Government of Somalia.