Saar arrived in Somaliland on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after Israel formally recognised the region as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so. The visit comes amid efforts by both sides to formalise diplomatic ties.
In a post on the social media platform X, Saar said the mutual recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Somaliland 'are not directed against anyone.' He confirmed that the two sides had agreed to exchange ambassadors and open embassies.
'On December 26, Israel and Somaliland signed a historic agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations,' Saar said during a joint press statement with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi. 'We agreed on the mutual appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. We will get that done soon.'
An Israeli Foreign Ministry statement said Saar's visit followed an official invitation from Abdilahi, who described the trip as 'a significant milestone' reflecting a shared commitment to building a productive, forward-looking and strategic partnership.
Speaking at the joint news conference, Abdilahi said Somaliland was politically ready and committed to hosting a permanent Israeli diplomatic presence and confirmed that the region would also open an embassy in Israel. He added that he had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel soon to formally inaugurate Somaliland's mission.
Both leaders said they were committed to building a strategic relationship covering political, security, economic and development cooperation. Saar noted that discussions between Israel and Somaliland had been ongoing for several months and had culminated in agreements on diplomatic representation.
The Israeli foreign minister said his ministry was working to expand cooperation across sectors including agriculture, water management, healthcare, education, defence and economic development, with plans for exchanges of experts and training programmes. He also welcomed Somaliland's intention to join the Abraham Accords, describing the region as 'friendly to Israel.'
The visit, however, has drawn a sharp response from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory. The Somali Foreign Ministry condemned what it termed Saar's 'unauthorised incursion' into Somaliland, accusing Israel of undermining Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement, Mogadishu said the visit amounted to 'unacceptable interference' in the internal affairs of a sovereign UN member state, warning that any official engagement on Somali territory without the federal government's consent is illegal, null and without legal effect.
Somalia reiterated its firm and non-negotiable commitment to national unity and territorial integrity, rejecting Israel's recognition of Somaliland and the establishment of diplomatic ties.
Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland on December 26, a move that sparked widespread regional criticism, particularly from Arab countries, which described it as illegal and a threat to international peace and security.
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in May 1991, following years of conflict that left the country in turmoil. Despite maintaining its own government, security structures and currency, it has long lacked formal international recognition.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/israel-to-open-embassy-in-somaliland-as-foreign-minister-visits
