Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland and establish relations

On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland and establish diplomatic relations with the region. The Israeli Foreign Minister announced that an agreement of mutual recognition was signed, which includes the opening of embassies in both territories.

This recognition marks a significant development in Somaliland"s quest for international acknowledgment as an independent entity. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been widely recognized by the international community.

In related coverage, Israel"s recognition of Somaliland follows a pattern of diplomatic engagement in the region, highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape. For further details, see this article.