Israel fetes Somaliland’s leader as it seeks to expand Red Sea influence
Summary
Israel gave a special state welcome to Somaliland’s president in Jerusalem, marking the first visit by a leader of this region. Israel was the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence from Somalia, and the visit included signing agreements to boost cooperation in security, trade, and regional strategy.Key Facts
- President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Somaliland visited Israel for the first time on a state visit.
- Israel officially recognized Somaliland as independent from Somalia six months before the visit.
- The two sides signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering security, trade, and regional issues.
- Somaliland controls a key coastline near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an important global shipping route.
- Israel sees Somaliland as strategically important because of regional conflicts and shipping disruptions near Yemen.
- Somaliland opened its embassy in West Jerusalem, a rare move since most embassies stay in Tel Aviv due to Jerusalem’s disputed status.
- The embassy opening was criticized by Palestine, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League.
- Somaliland’s president met Israeli leaders including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the visit.
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