Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the signing of a "historic" agreement between Israel and Somaliland on December 26, stipulating mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including the mutual appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies in the two countries during the coming period.
Sa'ar said during his visit to the Somaliland region that the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of economy, water, agriculture and security, and to develop a strategic partnership, stressing his country's desire to build a "warm friendship" between the two peoples, and pointing to what he described as democratic stability in Somaliland for about 35 years. He added that Israel recognizes the "existing reality" and hopes that other countries will follow suit.
The President of Somaliland, Abdul Rahman Mohamed Abdullah, announced that he had accepted an official invitation to visit Israel soon, stressing his country’s readiness to open an embassy in Israel and supporting a permanent and effective Israeli diplomatic presence in Somaliland. Abdul Rahman explained that this step represents a turning point in bilateral relations, and reflects a joint commitment to transforming the political connection into a productive strategic partnership that includes the fields of politics, security, economics, and development, in a way that enhances stability, prosperity, and the common interests of both parties. He pointed out that deepening diplomatic engagement The opening of the embassies sends a strong message about the seriousness of both parties in building a long-term relationship, describing the upcoming partnership as “of historical importance.”
