Somaliland Opens Its Embassy in Jerusalem

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar inaugurated Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, earlier today. The new mission becomes the eighth embassy operating from Jerusalem, joining those of the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Fiji.

It is also the third embassy opened in Jerusalem during Sa’ar’s tenure as foreign minister. Before the ceremony, Sa’ar met Abdillahi at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, where both men issued statements to the press.

Sa’ar referred to the months of discreet contacts that preceded Israel’s public recognition of Somaliland and the establishment of bilateral relations. Abdillahi praised Sa’ar in a quote, saying, “I also commend the minister for your important role in advancing Somaliland-Israel relations. Your vision, commitment and leadership have been a major factor in building and strengthening the developing strategic ties.”