The Republic of Somaliland will open an embassy in Jerusalem, its first anywhere in the world, the state’s ambassador to Israel said Tuesday.

“I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Somaliland’s Embassy will be located in Jerusalem — the Embassy will be opened soon, while Israel will also establish its Embassy in Hargeisa, reflecting growing friendship, mutual respect and strategic cooperation between our two peoples,” Somaliland’s Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Hagi wrote on X.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hailed the “important decision” to open the embassy in “our eternal capital, Jerusalem,” calling it “another significant step in strengthening relations between our countries and nations.”

In December, Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991. Last month, Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, and Sa’ar visited the country in January this year.

Hagi was visiting Israel, as he is not yet residing in the country, and was received by President Isaac Herzog on Monday, which was also Somaliland’s Independence Day.

Somaliland has its own currency, passport, and army, but has struggled to win international recognition, amid........

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