Israel becomes the First Country to Recognize Somaliland

Israel becomes the first country to recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, more than three decades after it broke away from Somalia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sign the declaration for Israel, while Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signs for his country.

Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim country, enjoyed five days of independence in 1960, during which time it was recognized by Israel and 34 other countries before uniting with Somalia. Somaliland formally broke away in 1991, and while no other countries recognized it, several powerful countries — the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan — maintained liaison offices.

Speaking to Abdullahi by phone, Netanyahu says the friendship between the countries is “seminal and historic.”

“We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development,” Netanyahu says.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu statement

I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Together with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.

This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.

I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel.

The President thanked me for this historic declaration and expressed appreciation for my achievements in fighting terrorism and advancing regional peace.

I thank Foreign Minister Sa’ar, the Head of Mossad David Barnea and the Mossad, for their contribution to today’s development, and I wish the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom.

The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.