06.01.2026 19:02
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made his first visit to the Somaliland region recognized by his country. The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the visit, stating that it violated Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited the Somaliland region, which his country recognized as an "independent country" last month.
VISIT AFTER CONTROVERSIAL DECISION
Saar stated in a social media post that he met with Somaliland's so-called President Abdurrahman Muhammed Abdullah. Saar said, "This visit also serves as a message: We are determined to advance relations between Israel and Somaliland. Today, we had meaningful discussions about our relations with the President and senior officials of the administration."
The mutual recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries do not aim against anyone. Our common goal is to promote the welfare of both peoples and countries. I made it clear in Hargeisa: Only Israel will decide whom to recognize and with whom to maintain diplomatic relations," he expressed, stating that Somaliland's so-called President accepted Netanyahu's invitation and would come to Israel for an official visit.
CONDEMNATION FROM SOMALIA
In a statement from the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was expressed that the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to the Somaliland region was condemned. It was emphasized that the visit constitutes a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It was stated that any official initiative taken without Somalia's consent is illegal and invalid. International organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union, were called upon to support Somalia's territorial integrity.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Somaliland, which has a strategic position in the Gulf of Aden and has its own currency, passport, and army, declared its unilateral separation from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized as an independent state by any country. Israel became the only country to recognize Somaliland on December 26.