Taipei, July 26 -- In a significant diplomatic development, Taiwan President William Lai met with Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Adam Bakal on Wednesday, expressing hopes to deepen bilateral ties and pursue the strategic goal of a "non-red" Somaliland shoreline, the Taipei Times reported.

According to the Taipei Times, Lai welcomed the delegation, which included Somaliland Minister of the Presidency Khadir Hussein Abdi, Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye of the Somaliland Coast Guard, and Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud, the president's lead foreign affairs adviser. It marked the first visit to Taiwan for Bakal, Abdi, and Hariye.

President Lai expressed gratitude for Somaliland's ongoing support...