Moolenaar, Smith Call on State Department to Distinguish Somaliland, Voice National Security Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on China and Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to distinguish Somaliland from the Federal Republic of Somalia in its travel advisory report.

In the letter, the lawmakers find that distinguishing Somaliland would allow the U.S. to more effectively counter the CCP's malign influence in the Horn of Africa and support greater international recognition of Taiwan.

"Strengthening cooperation with Somaliland is a productive step in advancing America's security and diplomatic objectives in the Horn of Africa," said Chairman Moolenaar. "From combatting piracy to hosting a Taiwanese Representative Office in its capital, Somaliland has shown its commitment to the United States as both a friend and security partner. Establishing a more official U.S. presence in Somaliland would give the United States an important foothold to monitor and counter Beijing's ever-growing presence in the region that ultimately undermines the safety of Americans at home."

"The Trump Administration and Secretary Rubio have already made significant strides in strengthening the U.S.-Somaliland relationship – the United States can continue to nurture this partnership with a separate and more accurate travel advisory, which accords with the stable situation on the ground," said Co-Chair Smith.

Read the letter here.

Read Breitbart's exclusive here.

QUESTIONS? Contact Jack Clem at jack.clem@mail.house.gov.

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