#ALERT: Israel’s foreign minister visits Somaliland in landmark trip
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has arrived in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, amid heightened security measures.
The visit marks the first time a senior Israeli official has travelled to Somaliland since Israel announced in December that it would formally recognise the self-declared republic.
Mr Sa’ar is expected to hold talks with Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), with discussions likely to focus on political and strategic cooperation. He is also scheduled to visit the port city of Berbera, a key commercial and strategic hub on the Red Sea corridor.
Statements
PRC Foreign Minister’s upcoming visit to Mogadishu raises additional concernsRep. Smith on Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty
Washington, Jan 6, 2026
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus, issued the below statement following [Israel’s formal recognition](https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-becomes-first-country-to-recognize-breakaway-somaliland-as-independent-state/) of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent nation:*
“I welcome Israel’s formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent, sovereign State, and hope that others, including the United States, follow. Somaliland is a functioning democracy, as demonstrated by the peaceful transfer of power more than a year ago following elections—a rare, positive example in the Horn of Africa, and, indeed, in much of Africa.
“Somaliland’s strategic location and deep-water port at Berbera also underscore its national security significance to the United States. And Somaliland’s close ties with Taiwan offset Communist China’s malign influence in the region—as underscored by PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s upcoming visit to neighboring Mogadishu. Above all, official recognition signals to the Somaliland people that their commitment to democracy—and to free and fair elections—is not in vain, and their nation is getting the acknowledgment it deserves.”
Oh Good, but Indian government is under pressure of United States. We have to do what ever they say. UAE and Ethiopia has their own interests.