Somaliland to Open Embassy in Jerusalem After Israel Recognition Deal

Mintesinot Nigussie

Somaliland will establish an embassy in Jerusalem, its ambassador announced on Tuesday. This follows a reciprocal diplomatic deal with Israel that also includes plans for an Israeli embassy in Hargeisa.

Ambassador Mohamed Hagi confirmed that Israel is expected to open a mission in Somaliland’s capital. The move comes after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state in December, a decision strongly rejected by Somalia.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem as a significant step. It would become only the eighth embassy in the city.

Somaliland has maintained de facto independence and stability since 1991 but lacked formal international recognition until the recent agreement with Israel. Officials hope this will encourage other countries to follow suit.

The development adds to growing diplomatic activity in Jerusalem, where most countries still maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv due to the sensitive status of the city.

Somaliland views the deal as a major boost to its international standing and access to global markets.