The government of Somaliland says it plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, while Israel is expected to establish diplomatic representation in Hargeisa in what officials describe as a major step in growing ties between the two sides.
Mohamed Hagi, Somaliland’s envoy to Israel, announced the move on Tuesday, saying the decision reflects “growing friendship, mutual respect and strategic cooperation” between both peoples.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and saying both governments would work to implement the plan soon.
The development follows Israel’s decision last December to officially recognize Somaliland’s independence, becoming the first country to do so after more than three decades of Somaliland’s push for international recognition.
The recognition sparked criticism from the United Nations Security Council, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, though Mogadishu continues to reject the move and considers the region part of Somalia.
The proposed embassy in Jerusalem would place Somaliland among a small group of countries and territories with diplomatic missions in the contested city, whose status remains central to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.