Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israel recognizes Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state.”
This is a first-of-its-kind move at the international level towards the region,
which unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia in the early 1990s,
without gaining recognition from any country so far.
Netanyahu said the agreement signed with the Somaliland leadership
is based on the principle of “mutual recognition”.
He stressed that Israel intends to immediately begin expanding its relations
with the self-declared republic, and to open up prospects for political and economic cooperation with it.
It strengthens its presence in the Horn of Africa region
He added that this move is part of an Israeli approach to strengthen
its diplomatic and economic presence in the Horn of Africa region.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office explained in an official statement
that Israel will intensify its cooperation with Somaliland in a number of vital sectors.
These include the economy, technology, agriculture, and health,
which contribute to supporting development and stability in the region.
The statement said that Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar
and the President of the Republic of Somaliland signed
a “joint and reciprocal declaration,” establishing a new phase of relations between the two sides.
For his part, the Israeli Foreign Minister confirmed that the agreement
includes the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including the opening
of reciprocal embassies and the appointment of ambassadors.
Israel expands its regional partnerships
Saar said, via his account on the “X” platform, that he had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
to take immediate action to institutionalize relations with Somaliland.
He also mentioned working to develop cooperation in multiple fields,
noting that the move reflects Israel’s vision to expand its regional partnerships.
Somaliland is located in northern Somalia, and unilaterally declared its independence in 1991.
Following the collapse of the central Somali state,
however, the international community still considers it part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Somali government in Mogadishu opposes any recognition of the region’s independence,
affirming its commitment to the unity of Somali territory.
The Israeli announcement is expected to provoke regional and international reactions,
given the sensitivity of the disengagement issue.
The increasing competition for influence in the Horn of Africa region,
which is witnessing growing interest from regional and international powers.
