Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam said he does not rule out an Israeli military base in his country, telling ynet that cooperation is possible in any field that serves both sides, including economic, security and diplomatic areas. He said, “There is no limitation to the relations and cooperation between us.”
Adam’s comments came after what he called the historic visit of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi to Israel with a six-member senior delegation. The issue of a base was discussed during the visit, including with Defense Minister Israel Katz. Adam said Israel has a strategic interest in Somaliland because of its proximity to the Houthis and the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
He described the trip as Somaliland’s first state visit by a head of state to another country and said Israel was among the first countries to recognize Somaliland when it gained independence from Britain in 1960, and again after its “stolen independence” was restored. He added that Israel was the first country to host Somaliland’s president on a state visit and the first in the world to establish diplomatic relations after Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem. “We will forever be grateful to the State of Israel,” he said.
Adam said the main achievement was opening Somaliland’s first embassy in the world in Jerusalem and formalizing diplomatic ties. He said the two sides are now ready to cooperate in any area of mutual interest. On direct flights between Tel Aviv and Hargeisa, he said they may come later, and that Israelis already visit Somaliland. He also welcomed Israeli tourists and businesspeople, saying Somaliland offers 850 kilometers of coastline, deserts and varied scenery. Asked about outside pressure not to engage with Israel, he said no external pressure can change Somaliland’s determination and that it needs no one’s permission to contact other states. He added that the most moving moment was hearing Somaliland’s anthem played and seeing its flag raised at the President’s Residence, which left him and others in tears.
