Israel has appointed career diplomat Michael Lotem as the country’s first ambassador to the self-styled Repulic of Somaliland, APA learnt on Thursday.
Ambassador Lotem’s confirmed appointment comes almost five months after Israel officially recognised the enclave which annonced its breakaway from the rest of federal Somalia in 1991.
Lotem was Israel’s ambassador to Kenya.
The authorities in Mogadishu have released a statement condemning Israel’s appointment of a fully accredited diplomat in Somaliland as a breach of Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Somaliland, an enclave of just over 6 million people located on the Gulf of Aden was officially recognised by Israel last December, triggering international condemnation from the United Nations, African Union, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
However, officials from Tel Aviv and Hargeisa have exchanged visits since Israel’s controversial decision to recognise Somaliland, ending over 30 years of diplomatic isolation for the strategically located territory.
WN/as/APA