The Republic of Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan told The Associated Press in an interview published January 13, 2026, that cooperation with Israel following its recognition faces “no limits” in scope, explicitly highlighting defense as a key area of partnership.
The comments follow Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s visit to Hargeisa earlier this month, where he met with Somaliland’s leadership to advance bilateral relations. Officials from both sides have confirmed that defense cooperation forms part of the emerging ties, though details remain limited pending further high-level engagements.
Adan emphasized that specifics on defense and other areas would become clearer after Somaliland’s president visits Israel in the near future. “There are no limits as to what areas we can work with,” he stated, underscoring the open-ended potential for collaboration.
The relationship builds on Israel’s landmark decision late last year to become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia and several other nations. Somaliland, which restored its independence from Somalia in 1991, views the Israeli ties as a boost to its international legitimacy and security.
Adan described the partnership as “mutually beneficial,” with Somaliland gaining access to cooperation in trade, investment, and technology, while Israel secures a diplomatic foothold in the Horn of Africa. He expressed optimism that Israel’s step could encourage other countries to follow suit in recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Somalia has strongly rejected the recognition, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud calling it an invalid attempt to divide Somali territory. Adan dismissed Mogadishu’s objections, referring to Somalia as a “failed state.”
Israeli officials have defended the recognition and visit as a “natural” alignment, with plans for an embassy in Hargeisa already announced. As reciprocal visits proceed, defense cooperation is expected to emerge as a central pillar of the new relationship.
