Somaliland opens Jerusalem embassy after Israel's recognition of its independence

"Just as you expect nations to recognise your sovereignty, your identity, your own rights, your own national rights. The same thing we have vis-à-vis our capital. It's only been the capital of the Jewish people since King David. That's only 3,000 years ago. So, for some countries, it's a belated recognition. For you, it was instant."On his part, Abdullahi was full of praise for the prime minister saying that he had shown "courage" in the recognition of Somaliland.He spoke of opportunities for co-operation particularly in accessing Somaliland's potential natural resources, including rare earth minerals and oil. The president also described the coastline, close to the mouth of the Red Sea, as "strategic".For Israel, the partnership offers a stable ally in this key region.Responding to the visit, Somalia's foreign ministry called on "all international partners to uphold international law... and condemn actions that undermine the unity and stability of the Somali state".Somaliland has governed itself since it broke away from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu. It has held its own elections, issued its own currency and built its own security forces, maintaining relative stability compared with much of southern Somalia.However, its declaration of independence had not been recognised internationally until Israel's move at the end of last year.You may also be interested in: