Overview
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar made a January 6 visit to Hargeisa, the first official trip since Israel recognized Somaliland in December.
- Following talks, both sides said they will open embassies soon and pursue cooperation in economic, agricultural, and defense fields.
- Israel’s December decision made it the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991.
- Somalia’s foreign ministry condemned the visit in the strongest terms, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Analysts note Somaliland’s location across from Houthi-influenced parts of Yemen could carry security implications, while no implementation timelines were disclosed.