by Danielle Greyman-Kennard, Reuters
Netanyahu congratulated Somaliland President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi and praised his leadership and commitment to security, stability, and peace.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Friday, making Israel the first UN member state to recognize the nation as a sovereign state.
Together with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Somaliland’s president, Netanyahu signed a joint and mutual declaration on Friday.
Netanyahu congratulated Somaliland President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi and praised his leadership and commitment to security, stability, and peace.
Netanyahu also invited Abdillahi to make an official visit to Israel. Netanyahu said the declaration “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.”
The 2020 accords were brokered by Trump’s first administration and included Israel formalizing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with other countries joining later.
Israel's future talks with Somaliland under new declaration
Abdillahi thanked Netanyahu for his role in the declaration and expressed his appreciation for Israel's efforts in combating terrorism and advancing regional peace.The Prime Minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 26, 2025
Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Sa'ar, and the President of the Republic of Somaliland signed a joint and mutual declaration. pic.twitter.com/M0AeTs5oxY
Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to Sa'ar, the Mossad, and its Director, David Barnea, for their contribution to advancing recognition between the two countries.
Netanyahu concluded by wishing the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom.
Israel will focus on collaboration in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy in its relations with Somaliland, the office stated.
Sa'ar later posted on social media, "I was glad to speak just now with the President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, on this important day for both countries.
I was glad to speak just now with the President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, on this important day for both countries.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) December 26, 2025
Over the past year, based on an extensive and ongoing dialogue, relations between Israel and Somaliland have taken shape. Following the decision… pic.twitter.com/jHnfIPpoyR
"Over the past year, based on an extensive and ongoing dialogue, relations between Israel and Somaliland have taken shape. Following the decision of @IsraeliPM Benjamin Netanyahu and the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, today we signed an agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations, which will include the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
"We will work together to promote the relations between our countries and nations, regional stability, and economic prosperity. I have instructed my ministry to act immediately to institutionalize ties between the two countries across a wide range of fields."
Somaliland's foreign ministry wrote in response, "Somaliland’s moment has arrived. Momentum is building. Stay tuned for official announcements."
Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy - and relative peace and stability - since 1991 when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has failed to receive recognition from any other country.
Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognizing Somaliland.
The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets.
In March, Somalia and its breakaway region of Somaliland also denied receiving any proposal from the United States or Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, with Mogadishu saying it categorically rejected any such move.
Danielle Greyman-Kennard,Reuters
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-881475
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