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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
William Christou in Beirut

Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland as sovereign state

People work in a polling station with a plastic ballot box on a table and the national emblem of Somaliland on a wall
Electoral commission officials monitoring a polling station in Hargeisa during the 2024 presidential election in Somaliland. Photograph: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images

Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, a breakthrough in its quest for international recognition since it declared independence from Somalia 34 years ago.

The Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced on Friday that Israel and Somaliland had signed an agreement establishing full diplomatic relations, which would include the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors.

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