Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar conducted the first official diplomatic visit to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, on Tuesday following an invitation from the nation's president. The visit was only announced after it had effectively concluded – despite leaks by the local media – due to security concerns.
"The diplomatic visit took place at the behest of President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. During the visit, Foreign Minister Sa'ar held high-level talks with President Abdullahi and senior administration officials, including Foreign Minister of Somaliland Abdirahman Dahir Adam, Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi, and Chief of Staff Nimsan Yusuf Osman. Sa'ar conducted the meetings at the official Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. Speaker of Parliament Yasin Haji Mohamoud and Chairman of the Senate Suleiman Mahmud Adan also participated in the discussions. The Somaliland foreign minister welcomed Sa'ar upon his arrival at the airport," The Foreign Ministry said.
Following the meetings, the President of Somaliland and Foreign Minister Sa'ar issued joint statements.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar remarked: "On December 26, Israel and Somaliland signed a historic agreement for mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations. We agreed on the mutual appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies, and we will do so soon. We agreed to work together to advance relations between the countries for the prosperity of both. We want to build a warm friendship not only between the governments – but also between the peoples: the Israeli people and the people in Somaliland. Since December 26, we have seen authentic joy in Somaliland, and also in Israel. We are excited to take part in the brave journey of the people in Somaliland from independence to recognition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working under my directive to build relations in many fields: economy, water, agriculture, and more. We will pursue collaborations on security issues and develop a strategic partnership.
"Unlike 'Palestine' – Somaliland is not a virtual state. Somaliland is a functioning state in every respect, according to the principles of international law. Somaliland has been and remains a stable democracy for close to 35 years. It has democratic elections and orderly transfers of power. It is pro-Western and friendly to Israel. It is a badge of honor for us to be the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. We hear the attacks, the criticism, and the condemnations against Israel. No one will determine for Israel whom to recognize and with whom to maintain diplomatic ties. We recognize the simple truth and the existing reality and hope to see additional countries follow suit soon. Somaliland deserves, and rightly so, a place among the nations. This is a natural bond between two democratic countries, both located in challenging regions.
"In our meeting, I reiterated the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for you to conduct an official visit to Israel. We hope to host you in Jerusalem very soon. We are full of hope that these historic days and moments will constitute the start of a deep friendship between the peoples for many years to come."
President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi announced he would visit Israel soon and open an embassy in the country.
From his remarks: "Your visit holds historic importance and constitutes a significant milestone in the developing relations between Somaliland and the State of Israel. It reflects the political relationship – but also the shared commitment to turn this bond into a productive, forward-looking, and strategic partnership. Somaliland attributes great importance to this partnership and approaches it with clarity and purpose. We are committed to building a strategic relationship with Israel – which will be beneficial to both sides and will be based on cooperation in the fields of policy, security, economy, and development. We view this partnership not only as a political matter – but as a move of historic importance. We want our countries to advance stability, prosperity, and shared interests. Your presence here today demonstrates leadership and confidence in the future of relations between us. It conveys a strong message that Somaliland and Israel are ready to deepen engagement and act with determination to establish diplomatic infrastructure, including the opening of embassies. For our part, I wish to ensure our full readiness and the political will to open an embassy in Israel and to support a permanent and effective Israeli diplomatic presence in Somaliland. I declare that I accept the invitation of Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit Israel."
