Israel’s foreign minister has met Somaliland’s president during a landmark visit following Israel’s recognition of the region as an independent state.
Gideon Saar said Israel was determined to advance relations with Somaliland “with momentum”.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the visit as a “big day” for the region.
Israel last month became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Somalia condemned the visit as unacceptable interference and said Somaliland remains part of its sovereign territory.
Saar said discussions covered the “entirety of our relations” between Israel and Somaliland.
He rejected criticism of Israel’s recognition decision, saying it was not taken against any other country.
Only Israel will determine for itself who it recognises.
Gideon Saar said.
Abdullahi said Israel had made a “courageous decision” and pledged cooperation in shared strategic interests.
Saar said Somaliland’s president had been invited to visit Israel, though this was not confirmed by his office.
Israel’s move triggered international criticism and an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
China, Turkey and the African Union criticised the decision, while the European Union reiterated support for Somalia’s sovereignty.
The United States defended Israel and accused critics of applying double standards.
Somaliland hopes Israel’s recognition will encourage other countries to follow suit.
Analysts say Israel is seeking strategic partners in the Red Sea region amid regional security concerns.