Israel's foreign minister has arrived in the breakaway state of Somaliland, marking the first official visit since Israel controversially recognised Somaliland as an independent country.
Gideon Saar landed in capital city Hargeisa on Tuesday and met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, government sources reported.
Last month, Israel became the first country in the world to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago.
Somaliland's president celebrated Israel's recognition as a historic moment, while Somalia expressed vehement opposition, calling it an infringement on its sovereignty.
The Israeli foreign ministry has not publicly commented on Saar's trip, but a diplomatic source in Somaliland indicated that the visit aims to foster political and strategic partnerships.
The Somaliland government confirmed Saar's arrival in a post on social media, emphasizing the significance of the visit.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, following the overthrow of dictator Siad Barre. Despite its functioning state status, it remains largely unrecognized internationally, with Somalia asserting that Somaliland is part of its territory.
Israel's unexpected recognition of Somaliland garnered international condemnation and prompted an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, with critics from China, Turkey, and the African Union questioning the legitimacy of Israel's decision. Conversely, the U.S. defended Israel, accusing its critics of hypocrisy.
In his remarks, Saar defended the recognition of Somaliland, stating, Somaliland was not created this past weekend. It has existed as a functioning state for more than 34 years. The criticisms of Israel's recognition are hypocritical. Only Israel will decide who to recognize and with whom to maintain diplomatic relations.
