Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar Tuesday visited Somaliland after his country recognized the breakaway region of Somalia last month.
The move was denounced by Somalia which sees Somaliland as part of its territory even if the latter declared independence more than 30 years ago. Somalia condemned the visit as “unacceptable interference”
Saar posted on X that he had fruitful discussion with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi focusing on the entirety of their relations.
The foreign minister said Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland was not “against anyone”.
Saar said Abdullahi has accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjmain Netanyahu to visit Israel, but the Somaliland leader’s office did not confirm this.
In a statement released by his office, Abdullahi said Israel had taken a “courageous decision” and Somaliland would cooperate with it in the “strategic interest”.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last month came as a surprise, with Netanyahu citing Somaliland’s “right to self-determination”.
The move sparked international condemnation and prompted an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
MG/abj/APA