By Gloria
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday described it as a “great privilege” to lead Israel’s first official diplomatic visit to Somaliland, marking a historic milestone in relations between the two sides and reinforcing Israel’s position that decisions on diplomatic recognition rest solely with Jerusalem.
Speaking in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, Sa’ar emphasized that Israel alone will determine whom it recognizes as a sovereign state and with whom it chooses to maintain diplomatic relations.
The visit came at the invitation of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and took place just eleven days after Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation — making Israel the first United Nations member state to extend such recognition.
During meetings with Somaliland officials, Sa’ar said the visit was intended to send a clear and deliberate message to the international community.
“This visit is also a message,” he stated, stressing that Israel is fully committed to advancing and deepening relations with Somaliland. According to Sa’ar, discussions between the two sides were substantive and wide-ranging, covering political cooperation, economic development, security coordination, and future diplomatic engagement.
Sa’ar underscored that the mutual recognition agreement signed on December 26 was not aimed at any third party. Instead, he framed the decision as a sovereign act rooted in shared values and mutual interests.
“This agreement is not directed against anyone,” he said. “Our shared objective is to promote the mutual benefit of both nations and countries.” He reiterated firmly, “Only Israel will decide whom it recognizes and with whom it maintains diplomatic relations.”
The Israeli foreign minister also confirmed that President Abdullahi has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Jerusalem.
The anticipated visit is expected to accelerate the establishment of full diplomatic ties, including the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors under the newly formed diplomatic framework.
Appearing jointly with the Somaliland president, Sa’ar drew a sharp distinction between Somaliland and Palestinian claims to statehood.
“Unlike ‘Palestine,’ Somaliland is not a virtual state,” he said. Sa’ar described Somaliland as a functioning democracy with established institutions, credible elections, and peaceful transfers of power — most recently demonstrated during elections held in November 2024.
He further highlighted Somaliland’s geopolitical alignment, calling it “pro-Western and friendly to Israel.” Addressing international criticism of Israel’s recognition decision, Sa’ar was unapologetic. “We hear the attacks, the criticism, the condemnations,” he said. “Nobody will determine for Israel whom we recognize.”
President Abdullahi warmly welcomed the Israeli delegation at the Presidential Palace, praising Israel’s recognition as both “historic and courageous” after more than three decades of Somaliland’s de facto independence. He said the decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in Somaliland’s international engagement.
“This recognition opens a new chapter,” Abdullahi declared, pledging cooperation with Israel across security, economic, and development sectors. He confirmed Somaliland’s readiness to establish an embassy in Israel and to host a permanent Israeli diplomatic mission in Hargeisa.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), today received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, H.E. Gideon Sa’ar, accompanied by senior Israeli officials, at the Presidential Palace.
President… pic.twitter.com/w0MA3OXM72
— Presidency | Republic of Somaliland (@Presidencysl_) January 6, 2026
Abdullahi emphasized that Somaliland views the relationship as practical and strategic rather than symbolic, adding that preparations are already underway to formalize diplomatic infrastructure. Details of his upcoming visit to Jerusalem, he said, will be finalized through diplomatic channels.
Somaliland’s strategic importance has increasingly drawn international attention. Located along the Gulf of Aden, directly across from Yemen and adjacent to one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, the region sits at a critical crossroads for global shipping and security.
Recognizing Somaliland isn’t charity — it’s strategy. It aligns with America’s security interests and the “America First” doctrine by strengthening an ally that shares our values in a region vital to global trade and counterterrorism.@thehillhttps://t.co/gfgyShpL6B
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 5, 2026
The importance of the area has grown as Iran-backed Houthi militants have repeatedly targeted vessels transiting nearby waters.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) underscored Somaliland’s strategic value in a post on X earlier this week, arguing that recognizing Somaliland “isn’t charity it’s strategy.” Cruz wrote that such recognition aligns with U.S. security interests by strengthening a reliable partner that shares Western democratic values in a region vital to global trade and counterterrorism efforts.
He linked to commentary asserting that Somaliland functions as a state in every meaningful sense and should be treated accordingly.
As previously reported, Senator Cruz has urged President Donald Trump to formally recognize Somaliland, a push that gained momentum amid growing concern in Washington over expanding Chinese and Iranian influence in the Horn of Africa.
Those concerns have also drawn scrutiny from House lawmakers, including members of the China Select Committee.
I just introduced the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. For more than three decades, Somaliland demonstrated the kind of governance, stability, and cooperation that America should support. Foreign adversaries are on…
— Rep. Scott Perry (@RepScottPerry) June 13, 2025
Legislative efforts have followed. In June, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) introduced the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act, which calls for official U.S. recognition. The bill cites Somaliland’s democratic governance, strategic geographic position, and record as a dependable security partner.
Somalia’s federal government has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and Sa’ar’s visit, calling them an unlawful violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Israel has rejected that claim, arguing it does not reflect the political and administrative realities on the ground after more than 35 years of Somaliland’s self-rule.
Israel formally recognized Somaliland on December 26 through a joint declaration signed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Sa’ar alongside Somaliland’s leadership.
Netanyahu described the move as “historic” and said it was inspired by the principles of the Abraham Accords, which emphasize pragmatic diplomacy and regional cooperation.
https://twitter.com/GPOIsrael/status/2004554118073852139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
With Sa’ar’s landmark visit now concluded, Israeli officials have indicated that diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation will quickly move from formal recognition to concrete implementation — as Israel openly encourages other nations to follow its lead in recognizing Somaliland.
Source Breitbrat
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