Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conducted the first official visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Hargeisa, Somaliland, on Tuesday. The visit followed Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state last month, making it the first nation to do so. This development has generated varied international responses, with Somalia rejecting the recognition as an infringement on its sovereignty, while other nations have expressed differing views.
Foreign Minister's Visit to Hargeisa
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, on Tuesday. During his visit, Mr. Saar met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, according to government sources. The Somaliland government confirmed the foreign minister's arrival via social media. A diplomatic source in Somaliland indicated that the visit aims to advance political and strategic partnerships. The Israeli foreign ministry has not issued a public statement regarding the trip.
Context of Recognition
Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent country last month, becoming the first nation to do so. Somaliland's President Abdullahi described Israel's decision as "a historic moment." Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu cited Somaliland's "right to self-determination" when announcing the recognition. Foreign Minister Saar has stated that Somaliland has existed as a functioning state for over 34 years and affirmed Israel's right to determine its diplomatic relations.
Somaliland's Status and Somalia's Stance
Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, following the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre. It has been self-governing since then, establishing its own elections, currency, and security forces. Globally, Somaliland remains largely unrecognized, and Somalia regards it as an integral part of its territory. Somalia rejected Israel's recognition, characterizing it as an infringement on its sovereignty.
International Responses and Diplomatic Positions
Israel's recognition of Somaliland prompted an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. International reactions varied:
- Criticism: China, Turkey, and the African Union criticized Israel's action. The European Union emphasized respect for Somalia's sovereignty.
- Defense: The United States defended Israel's stance, with some statements accusing critics of employing double standards.
- Israeli Response: Foreign Minister Saar characterized criticisms of Israel's recognition as "hypocritical."
Future Engagements and Strategic Considerations
President Abdullahi indicated that Somaliland intends to join the Abraham Accords, agreements initiated in 2020 that facilitated normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. Israel has committed to cooperating with Somaliland across various sectors, including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
Beyond the Foreign Minister's visit, President Abdullahi also held separate meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland:
- With Israeli President Isaac Herzog: Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, and President Herzog conveyed an interest in deepening cooperation.
- With Businessman Eric Trump: Mr. Trump, who holds a senior role in the Trump Organization, expressed interest in investment opportunities in Somaliland. Talks included potential global investments in the livestock and agriculture sectors, aiming to industrialize these areas for international export. Livestock represents Somaliland's primary export, mainly to Saudi Arabia.
During these discussions, President Abdullahi emphasized Somaliland's openness to investment, highlighting its strategic location on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes, and the deep-water port of Berbera as a potential logistics hub. An advisor to Somaliland's leader, Abdirahman Bayle, stated that Somaliland's approach has shifted from seeking aid to offering its resources.
Analysts from the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israeli think tank, suggested strategic motivations behind Israel's decision, noting that "Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis," referring to Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group.