MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, has stated that Somaliland’s relationship and cooperation with Israel have “no limits” and could extend to any area deemed beneficial to both sides, including security, economic development, diplomacy, and military cooperation.
In an interview with the Israeli media outlet Ynet, the minister said Somaliland has not ruled out the possibility of Israel establishing a military presence in Somaliland, emphasizing that both parties are prepared to cooperate on issues of mutual interest.
“Anywhere and in any field where we believe both sides can benefit, we will cooperate, whether in economics, security, politics, or other areas. Our relationship and cooperation have no limits,” Abdirahman Dahir Adan said.
The minister described the recent Somaliland delegation’s visit to Israel as a significant diplomatic milestone. He said one of the most important outcomes of the trip was the opening of what he described as Somaliland’s first diplomatic mission abroad, located in Jerusalem, and the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Somaliland and Israel.
“Israel is the first country to open a diplomatic mission for Somaliland and the first to establish formal diplomatic relations with Somaliland. We will always be grateful for that,” he said.
Abdirahman Dahir Adan also stated that Israel was among the first countries to recognize Somaliland’s independence in 1960, referring to the brief period when the former British Somaliland Protectorate gained independence before voluntarily uniting with the former Italian-administered territory to form the Somali Republic.
The foreign minister said Somaliland welcomes Israeli visitors, investors, and businesspeople and expressed hope that direct flights between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv could be launched in the future to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.
He further stressed that Somaliland does not require permission from any external party to establish relations with foreign governments, arguing that political pressure or diplomatic campaigns would not alter Somaliland’s pursuit of international partnerships, peace, and development.
The remarks come amid Somaliland’s continued efforts to expand its international engagement and secure broader diplomatic recognition. Although Somaliland has operated as a self-governing administration since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, it has not received widespread international recognition as a sovereign state. The administration has nevertheless maintained representative offices in several countries and has increasingly sought closer ties with regional and international partners in areas such as trade, security, investment, and diplomacy.
The comments are also likely to draw attention within the Horn of Africa region, where questions surrounding Somaliland’s international status, foreign partnerships, and security cooperation remain politically sensitive issues for both Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia.