Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar makes first official visit to Somaliland after recognition

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived in Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first formal visit by an Israeli official since Israel recognised the self-declared republic as an independent state.

According to a Times of Israel report, Somaliland’s Information Ministry said Sa’ar was received at the airport by senior Somaliland officials.

He is scheduled to meet President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi later in the day, added the report.

The Israeli foreign ministry did not immediately respond when asked if the foreign minsiter was in Somaliland.

Last month, Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent country.

The decision triggered strong backlash from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, as well as criticism from several Middle Eastern and African nations and a rebuke from the European Union.

More from World

Saudi Arabia calls for 'dialogue' in Riyadh as southern Yemen tensions escalate Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announce two-year transition towards independence in south

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu, but had failed to secure international recognition until Israel’s announcement.

The region, located in the Horn of Africa, lies across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where the Iran-aligned Houthi movement controls significant territory, giving Somaliland strategic importance.

With inputs from agencies