Hargeisa: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after Tel Aviv recognized the region, causing international uproar. 'The mutual recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries are not directed against anyone,' Saar stated on US social media platform X. He announced that Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi, has accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel and establish an embassy there. An Israeli Foreign Ministry statement noted that the visit was initiated by Abdilahi.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Abdilahi described Saar's visit as 'a significant milestone' that underscores a shared commitment to developing a 'productive, forward-looking, and strategic partnership.' He expressed his intention to visit Israel soon to open an embassy. A Somaliland diplomatic source earlier informed Israeli channel i24NEWS that Saar's visit aims to foster substantial political and strategic cooperation between Israel and Somaliland.
During a joint news conference with Saar, Abdilahi reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a strategic relationship with Israel, focusing on cooperation in political, security, economic, and development sectors. He emphasized Somaliland's readiness and political commitment to establishing an embassy in Israel and supporting a 'permanent' Israeli diplomatic presence. Saar confirmed that he held meetings with Abdilahi and his team, engaging in dialogue over several months. The two parties agreed on the mutual appointment of ambassadors and the establishment of embassies.
Saar highlighted that the Israeli Foreign Ministry is working to strengthen ties with Somaliland across various sectors, including economy, agriculture, water, medicine, education, and defense, through exchanges of experts and training. Calling the region 'friendly to Israel,' Saar welcomed Somaliland's intention to join the Abraham Accords.
The Somali Foreign Ministry condemned Saar's 'unauthorized incursion' into Somaliland, urging Tel Aviv to 'immediately cease' actions undermining Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It labeled Saar's visit as "unacceptable interference" in the internal affairs of a sovereign UN member, asserting that any official presence or engagement on its territory without the federal government's consent is illegal and void of legal effect.
On December 26, Israel declared its official recognition of Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state, making Tel Aviv the only nation recognizing the breakaway region. This move has sparked widespread regional condemnation, particularly from Arab countries, which have labeled it illegal and a threat to international peace and security.
Somalia has reiterated its unwavering commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, firmly rejecting the Israeli decision. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government unable to exert control and its leadership unable to gain international recognition of independence.