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Israel’s foreign minister held talks with the Somaliland president during his first visit since Israel controversially recognized Somaliland as an independent state.
Gideon Sa’ar said Israel was determined to “vigorously” advance ties with Somaliland, while President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi hailed his visit as an “important day”.
Last month, Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia more than 30 years ago.
Somalia considers Somaliland part of its territory and condemned Saar’s visit as an “unacceptable interference” in its affairs.
Sal posted on X that his talks with Abdullahi focused on “our entire relationship.”
He also addressed the strong opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, saying the decision was not “against anyone.”
“Only Israel can decide for itself who to recognize,” he added.
Abdullahi said in a statement issued by his office that Israel had made a “courageous decision” and that Somaliland would cooperate with it out of “strategic interest.”
Sa’ar said Abdullahi had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel, but the Somaliland leader’s office did not confirm this.
In 1991, Somaliland declared independence from Somalia after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre.
Israel’s surprise recognition of Somaliland last month saw Netanyahu citing Somaliland’s “right to self-determination.”
The move sparked international condemnation and prompted an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
China, Türkiye and the African Union have all criticized Israel’s move, while the European Union said Somalia’s sovereignty should be respected.
The United States has defended Israel and accused its critics of double standards.
Somaliland hopes Israel’s decision will create a domino effect with other countries recognizing its independence.
But on Saturday, India’s foreign ministry dismissed claims on social media that India planned to do so, calling them “false.”
Abdullahi said Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration in 2020, which allowed many Arab countries to formalize relations with Israel.
Israel is committed to cooperating with Somaliland in the fields of agriculture, health, technology and economics.
Analysts said there were strategic reasons for Israel’s announcement.
“Israel needs allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, including the possibility of future strikes against the Houthis,” the Israeli think tank Institute for National Security said in a paper last month, referring to Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.
