Somaliland has concluded plans to open its first-ever embassy in Jerusalem, since it was formally recognized as independent State by Israel.
Mohamed Hagi, Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel, confirmed the development in a post on X on Tuesday.
According to him, the Israeli will in turn reciprocate by opening its embassy in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa.
Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state in December, a move Somalia rejected and termed a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy and relative peace and stability since 1991, when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region had until December failed to receive recognition from any other country.
Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognising 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.’
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem would be another significant step in strengthening relations with Somaliland.
Once opened, the Somaliland embassy would be the eighth embassy in Jerusalem, he said.
Most countries maintain their embassies in Israel in Tel Aviv, although the United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem during President Donald Trump’s first administration.
Fiji, Papua New Guinea and a small number of other countries have also established embassies there.
Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its capital, a position it has since consolidated upon.
