Hargeisa: In a gesture of Global outreach and cultural goodwill, Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Advocate Post, met with Mohamed Abdirahman, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland, during his visit to Hargeisa.
The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters, where Mr. Afzal was warmly received by DG Abdirahman and senior officials. The two engaged in a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion on Somaliland’s foreign policy objectives, international cooperation, and the Ministry’s role in shaping regional diplomacy.
As a symbol of cultural respect and friendship, Mr. Afzal presented a traditional Mughal-era inspired brass handcraft from Pakistan, intricately engraved with Quranic verses. The gift was offered as a token of shared heritage and spiritual solidarity between the people of Pakistan and Somaliland.
“It was a privilege to meet Director General Abdirahman and learn about the Ministry’s efforts to build international partnerships in a rapidly evolving global environment,” Mr. Afzal said after the meeting. “Conversations like these reflect the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and the power of mutual understanding.”
Topics discussed included Somaliland’s international outreach strategy, diplomatic recognition challenges, regional stability, and opportunities for greater civil society collaboration across the Horn of Africa and South Asia.
Mr. Afzal, who also serves as President of the Civil Society Network Pakistan and is an internationally recognized legal expert and policy advisor, emphasized the role of independent media and civil society in building bridges between regions and supporting peaceful global engagement.
The visit highlighted the growing importance of informal diplomacy and cultural exchange, particularly between non-state actors, journalists, and policy communities working toward shared global values.
About Abdul Rafay Afzal
Abdul Rafay Afzal is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post, President of the Civil Society Network Pakistan, and an international journalist, legal analyst, and global affairs advisor. His work focuses on diplomacy, international law, civil society, and strategic policy dialogue across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
