Israel Becomes First Country To Recognize Somaliland as an Independent State
Regional diplomats led by Egypt condemned the step and reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Overview
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed a mutual recognition declaration.
- Israel said it will pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.
- Abdullahi stated that Somaliland intends to join the Abraham Accords.
- Egypt said its foreign minister held calls with counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti, who denounced Israel’s decision.
- Somaliland has maintained de facto autonomy since 1991 and hopes the recognition will spur additional diplomatic ties and market access.