Somaliland has announced the opening of its first embassy in Jerusalem, while Israel will establish a reciprocal embassy in Hargeisa, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough between the two countries.
The announcement was made by Somaliland's ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, shortly after presenting his credentials to Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog in Jerusalem.
This initiative follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state in 2025, making it the first UN member state to formally recognize the self-proclaimed republic.
Officials from both countries say the growing collaboration will focus on security, trade, technology, agriculture, and counterterrorism cooperation in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
While Somaliland hailed the decision as historic, Somalia and some regional actors have criticized it, particularly the choice of Jerusalem for the embassy instead of Tel Aviv.