Israel has taken an unprecedented diplomatic step by recognizing the Republic of Somaliland as an independent
By Sammy,
Israel has taken an unprecedented diplomatic step by recognizing the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to formally do so since the territory split from Somalia in 1991. The declaration was signed today by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar together with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, and embassies in both countries opened today. Although Somaliland briefly held independence in 1960 before uniting with Somalia, it has spent more than three decades without international recognition, maintaining only liaison offices with states including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan.
After the signing, Netanyahu spoke with Abdullahi and called the development "historic," saying the sides will work together on economic growth, agriculture and social development. He invited the Somaliland leader to visit Israel and said he would convey Somaliland's interest in joining the Abraham Accords to US President Donald Trump, while Abdullahi replied that he would come "as soon as possible."
Sa'ar announced that ambassadors have been appointed, and the Prime Minister's Office thanked Sa'ar along with Mossad Director David Barnea and the Mossad for their role in advancing the recognition process. The move follows reports earlier this year that Somaliland had been among states engaged in discussions with Israel over possible initiatives linked to Gaza.
Topics: Gaza, Israeli Politics, Diplomacy
Reported by Sammy for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.