Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland

In a three-decade quest for international legitimacy, the breakaway region’s first nation has been officially recognized as Israel.

Israel and the Republic of Somaliland have signed a diplomatic agreement, which includes the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies in both countries, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s announcement on Friday.

Somaliland, which formally proclaimed its independence from Somalia in 1991 but hasn’t received recognition from any of the member nations of the UN, is in for a major breakthrough with the historic agreement.

The northern portion of what is now northern Somalia is controlled by Somaliland, which is located northwestern of the former British Protectorate.

In a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the Israeli prime minister invited him to Israel and described it as a “great opportunity to expand their partnership,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the new friendship as “seminal and historic.”

Saar claimed that the deal was the result of a year-long, fruitful discussion between the two governments and was based on a decision made by Netanyahu and Abdullahi.

Saar stated on social media that he had given his ministry the directive to immediately institutionalize ties across a range of fields, adding that “we will work together to promote regional stability, economic prosperity, and good relations between our countries and nations.”