Somaliland has officially opened an embassy in Jerusalem, six months after Israel became the first country to recognise the self-declared republic as an independent state.
The diplomatic mission was inaugurated in West Jerusalem during an official visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking during the meeting, Netanyahu described the relationship between Israel and Somaliland as one built on a “deep spiritual bond” and welcomed Somaliland’s decision to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, which Israel considers its capital.
President Abdullahi praised Israel for recognising Somaliland’s independence and said the two sides would strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, technology, security and the development of Somaliland’s natural resources, including oil and rare earth minerals.
Somalia strongly condemned the move, insisting Somaliland remains part of its territory and describing Israel’s engagement with the breakaway region as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. The Palestinian Authority also criticised the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a breach of international law.
Somaliland has governed itself since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Although it has maintained its own institutions and relative stability for decades, Israel remains the only country to have formally recognised its independence.
The latest development is expected to deepen diplomatic ties between Israel and Somaliland while further intensifying regional and international debate over Somaliland’s political status and the disputed status of Jerusalem.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
