MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia strongly rejected a plan by Somaliland to open an embassy in Jerusalem, calling it unacceptable and a violation of international law.
Foreign ministry said move undermines sovereignty, unity, international law including U.N. resolutions, reaffirming commitment territorial integrity and international diplomatic positions globally upheld.
Status of Jerusalem governed by U.N. resolutions, Somalia supports Palestinian statehood and East Jerusalem as capital under international framework legal position affirmed.
Egypt also warned Somaliland against opening embassy in Jerusalem, citing violations of international law and U.N. resolutions on city status issue concerns.
Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned Somaliland plan, calling it illegal and destabilizing to regional diplomatic consensus among members states.
Mohamed Hagi, Somaliland envoy to Israel, said authorities plan to establish embassy in Jerusalem while expanding diplomatic cooperation with Israel bilateral ties.
“I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Somaliland’s embassy will be located in Jerusalem,” Hagi said.
“The embassy will be opened soon, while Israel will also establish its embassy in Hargeisa,” he said.
He described the planned diplomatic exchange as reflecting “growing friendship, mutual respect and strategic cooperation” between Somaliland and Israel relations moving forward.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised Somaliland’s announcement, calling it eighth embassy in Jerusalem and inviting Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro to visit.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991, though Somalia considers it part of its sovereign territory under internationally recognized borders disputed claim remains unresolved.
The self-declared state is not recognized by the United Nations, African Union or most countries worldwide lacks formal diplomatic status globally accepted.
