Israel’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, said he met with Somaliland’s representative to the UAE, Masoud Abdi Ali, to discuss opportunities arising from the newly established relationship between the two sides.
In a statement posted on X, Shelley said the meeting focused on strengthening economic cooperation and developing bilateral relations following Israel’s decision to become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and fully sovereign state.
Shelley said Somaliland’s representative welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recognition decision, describing it as a “bold step.”
The meeting comes as both sides explore how the new relationship could develop beyond diplomatic recognition, including potential economic and regional cooperation.
The Israeli ambassador also said that Ali invited him to visit Somaliland. Shelley said he hoped to accept the invitation, which could pave the way for further high-level contacts between the two sides.
Shelley further expressed hope that other countries would follow Israel’s lead and recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
“I hope we can build strong cooperation and advance regional stability,” Shelley said.
Somaliland’s Push for International Recognition
The meeting comes as Somaliland continues its long-running campaign to secure international recognition. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government but has remained largely unrecognized internationally.
For Somaliland, Israel’s recognition represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough and could strengthen its efforts to persuade other governments to establish formal relations.
The development could also create opportunities for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, technology, agriculture, water management and security, although the extent of such cooperation will depend on how the new relationship develops.
Somalia Rejects Recognition
Somalia’s Federal Government strongly opposes any international recognition of Somaliland as an independent country and continues to regard the territory as part of Somalia.
Mogadishu has also been campaigning diplomatically against Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and seeking to discourage other countries from following the same path.
Somali officials have repeatedly emphasized the country’s territorial integrity and warned that unilateral recognition could have wider consequences for regional stability.
The emerging relationship between Israel and Somaliland therefore adds another layer to the longstanding political dispute between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
It also comes at a time when the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea are becoming increasingly important to regional and international powers because of their strategic location, maritime routes and security concerns.
With Somaliland seeking wider international recognition and Israel encouraging other countries to consider following its decision, the response from regional governments will likely determine whether the recognition remains an isolated diplomatic move or becomes the beginning of a broader shift in Somaliland’s international status.