Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar today (Tuesday) held his first official diplomatic visit to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.
The visit was held at the invitation of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, during which Foreign Minister Saar held meetings with President Abdirahman and senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam, Minister of the Presidency Khader Hussein Abdi, and Chief of Staff Nimsan Yusuf Osman.
Minister Saar held the meetings at the official presidential palace in Hargeisa.
The meetings were also attended by Parliament Speaker Yassin Haji Muhammad and Senate Chairman Sullivan Mahmoud Aden.
Saar was greeted at the airport by Somaliland's Foreign Minister.
The President of Somaliland and Foreign Minister Saar issued statements.
Attack in Somaliland. Video: Yossi Pons, GPO
Minister Saar: "On December 26, Israel and Somaliland signed a historic agreement for mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations. We agreed on the mutual appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies, and we will do so soon. We agreed to work together to advance relations between the countries, for the prosperity of both.".
""We want to build a warm friendship not only between governments - but also between peoples: the Israeli people and the people in Somaliland. Since December 26, we have seen authentic joy in Somaliland, and also in Israel. We are excited to take part in the courageous journey of the people in Somaliland from independence to recognition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working under my direction to build relations in many areas: economy, water, agriculture, and more. We will cooperate on security issues and open a strategic partnership between us.".
""Unlike 'Palestine' - Somaliland is not a virtual state. Somaliland is a functioning state in every sense, according to the principles of international law. Somaliland has been and remains a stable democracy for nearly 35 years. It has democratic elections and an orderly change of government. It is pro-Western and friendly to Israel.
""It is an honor for us to be the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. We hear the attacks, criticism, and condemnations of Israel. No one will determine for Israel who to recognize and with whom to maintain diplomatic relations. We recognize the simple truth and the existing reality and hope to see more countries do the same soon. Somaliland deserves, and rightfully so, a place among nations. This is a natural connection between two democratic countries, both located in challenging regions.".
""In our meeting, I reiterated the invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu to pay an official visit to Israel. We hope to host you in Jerusalem very soon. We are hopeful that these historic days and moments will mark the beginning of a deep friendship between the peoples for many years to come.".
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Abdullahi announced a visit to Israel soon and the opening of an embassy in the country.
The President said: "Your visit is of historic importance and constitutes a significant milestone in the developing relations between Somaliland and the State of Israel. It reflects the political relationship, but also the shared commitment to transforming this relationship into a productive, forward-looking and strategic partnership.".
""Somaliland attaches great importance to this partnership and approaches it with clarity and purpose. We are committed to building a strategic relationship with Israel, which will be beneficial to both sides and will be based on cooperation in the areas of politics, security, economics and development.".
""We see this partnership not only as a political matter, but as a move of historical significance. We want our countries to advance stability, prosperity, and shared interests. Your presence here today demonstrates leadership and confidence in the future of our relations. It sends a strong message that Somaliland and Israel are ready to deepen engagement and work determinedly to establish a diplomatic infrastructure, including the opening of embassies.".
""For our part, I would like to assure you of our full readiness and political will to open an embassy in Israel and to support a permanent and effective Israeli diplomatic presence in Somaliland. I announce that I accept Prime Minister Netanyahu's invitation to visit Israel.".
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