Israel receives Somaliland’s first ambassador following historic recognition

Officials in Hargeisa are interested in cooperating in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Somaliland took a historic diplomatic step on Monday as Ambassador Mohamed Hagi submitted his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, marking the first time the self-declared republic has stationed an envoy in another country.

The move follows Israel’s decision in December to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, more than three decades after the territory split from Somalia in 1991.

No other country has formally extended recognition.

Hagi, who was named to the post in February, previously advised Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and helped spearhead the growing relationship between Somaliland and Israel.

Situated in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland’s northern coast lies directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where the Houthis control territory.

Israel is reportedly interested in establishing a base in Somaliland to counter Houthi and Iranian threats to Red Sea shipping.

Officials in Hargeisa are interested in cooperating in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has also expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords.

Herzog also received the credentials of new ambassadors from Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Vatican.