Israel Was The First To Recognize Somaliland As An Independent State

• 26.12.2025, 20:58

A declaration on mutual recognition and opening of embassies was signed.

Israel has become the first country to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state, reports The Times of Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar signed the declaration on behalf of Israel, while Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed it on behalf of his country.

Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim region, existed for five days as an independent state in 1960, during which time it was recognized by Israel and 34 other countries before it merged with Somalia.

Somaliland seceded in 1991, and while no other country has recognized it, several influential states - Britain, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan - have maintained representation.

Netanyahu invited Abdullahi on an official visit to Israel and said he would inform US President Donald Trump of Somaliland's desire to join the Abrahamic Accords.

Israel's Interior Minister said embassies will be opened in both countries and ambassadors appointed.

The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti are reported to condemn Israel's recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, Egypt reported.