Israel’s foreign minister has met with Somaliland’s president during a historic visit to the breakaway region, marking the first official trip since Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent state last month.
Gideon Saar held talks with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, saying Israel was committed to advancing relations with Somaliland “with momentum.” Abdullahi described the visit as a “big day” for the region.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland was controversial, as Somalia considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory and has strongly opposed the move. Somalia condemned Saar’s visit as “unacceptable interference” in its internal affairs.
Posting on X, Saar said discussions covered the “entirety of our relations” and defended Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, stating it was not made “against anyone.”
“Only Israel will determine for itself who it recognises,” Saar said.
International Reaction
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the government of former dictator Siad Barre, but until now had not been recognised by any country.
Israel’s decision prompted international backlash, including criticism from China, Turkey, and the African Union, while the European Union reiterated its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. The move also led to an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The United States defended Israel, accusing critics of applying double standards.
Somaliland hopes Israel’s recognition will lead to broader international acceptance. However, India recently dismissed claims circulating online that it plans to recognise Somaliland, calling them false.
Expanding Cooperation
In a statement, President Abdullahi praised Israel’s recognition as a “courageous decision” and said Somaliland would cooperate with Israel in areas of strategic interest. Israel has pledged collaboration in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and economic development.
Saar said Abdullahi had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel, though Somaliland’s presidency has not confirmed this.
Abdullahi has also said Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, the 2020 U.S.-brokered agreements that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states.
Strategic Implications
Analysts say Israel’s move reflects broader strategic interests in the Red Sea region, including security considerations.
“Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons,” Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies said in a recent analysis, citing potential future conflict scenarios involving Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland marks a significant geopolitical shift, with long-term implications for regional diplomacy and international recognition efforts.
