Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has said relations between Somaliland and Puntland have improved since 2024, citing increased cooperation on security and the movement of people and vehicles across the two administrations.

Speaking about the relationship between his government and Puntland, Irro said the two sides maintain close ties and have cooperated in addressing shared security concerns, particularly terrorism and piracy.

The president said Somaliland and Puntland had also worked to restore cross-border movement, which was disrupted following the fighting in Las Anod. He said traffic has since resumed along the road linking El-Dahir and Erigavo in the Sanaag region.

Irro also addressed the situation in areas currently administered by the North East State, saying Somaliland would pursue a peaceful approach to resolving the dispute.

He said Somaliland would adopt what he described as a “white flag” approach toward Las Anod, signalling his administration’s intention to pursue a peaceful resolution and help restore stability in the city.

The comments come amid continuing political and territorial disputes over Las Anod and surrounding areas in northern Somalia. The region has remained a focal point of tensions involving Somaliland, Puntland and the emerging North East State administration.

Irro’s remarks indicate that his administration intends to prioritize dialogue, security cooperation and the restoration of cross-border movement in its engagement with Puntland and communities in the disputed eastern regions.