Israel's foreign minister on historic visit to Somaliland

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 6, 2026 at 02:26 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made a historic visit to Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first official visit since Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent country last month. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has largely remained unrecognised internationally. Saar met with Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to advance political and strategic partnerships. Israel's recognition of Somaliland has been met with condemnation from Somalia, the African Union, China, and Turkey, who view it as an attack on Somalia's sovereignty. Israel has pledged cooperation with Somaliland in various sectors, and Somaliland intends to join the Abraham Accords. Analysts suggest Israel seeks allies in the Red Sea region for strategic reasons.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 30% China 30% European Union 30% African Union 30% Turkey 30% United Nations Security Council 40% Benjamin Netanyahu 40% Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi 70% Gideon Saar ×380% Somalia ×680% Israel ×12100% Somaliland ×13100%

Keywords

israel somaliland relations 100% recognition 80% sovereignty 70% political partnerships 60% strategic partnerships 60% red sea region 50% self-determination 50% diplomatic relations 40% abraham accords 40%