Israel and Somaliland sign strategic cooperation agreement during state visit

The visit marked the first state visit by a Somaliland leader and came six months after Israel recognized the territory's independence from Somalia. Abdullahi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during the trip.

Diplomatic ceremonies and embassy opening Abdullahi laid a wreath at the grave of Theodor Herzl and received the Friends of Zion Award. Somaliland formally opened its embassy in West Jerusalem during the visit, a step that drew condemnation from Palestine, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attended the embassy ceremony. Most countries maintain embassies in Tel Aviv because of the disputed status of Jerusalem.

Strategic location and security discussions Somaliland controls coastline along the Gulf of Aden near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Israeli officials said the territory's location holds strategic value for monitoring Red Sea shipping routes. " Somaliland officials have expressed interest in cooperation on water management, health and agriculture.

Somalia State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar said his government fears Somaliland could be drawn into regional conflicts. Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his government rejected earlier Israeli overtures and warned that the engagement with Somaliland creates problems.

Former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi called for disclosure of agreement terms and expressed concern that the territory could be used as a base against regional adversaries.