Somaliland and Israel establish diplomatic ties with new embassies

Israel and Somaliland Announce Plans for Embassies in Jerusalem and Hargeisa

Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland, plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, while Israel will establish its representation in Hargeisa “soon”, according to Mohamed Hagi, the ambassador of Somaliland to Israel. The announcement comes months after Israel officially recognized Somaliland’s independence.

Hagi stated that the move reflects a growing friendship and mutual respect between the two peoples. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the decision, calling it a significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries. He expressed his intention to work together to implement this decision soon.

In December last year, Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence, ending over 30 years of diplomatic isolation. The decision has been met with criticism from various international organizations, including the UN Security Council, the African Union, and the European Union.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has not gained recognition from any United Nations member state. The region controls a portion of northern Somalia that was once part of the British Protectorate. Somalia has never accepted Somaliland’s independence.

Saar visited Hargeisa in January and met with Somaliland officials. A delegation from Somaliland’s water ministry later traveled to Israel for training in water management, facilitated by Hagi. The planned embassy in Jerusalem will be the eighth to be established there, following the US, Guatemala, Kosovo, Honduras, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

The location of the embassy is a point of contention due to the disputed status of Jerusalem. The city remains at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israel claiming it as its capital and the Palestinian Authority insisting that occupied East Jerusalem should serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.

Source: Al Jazeera