Somaliland has announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, marking a further step in its emerging diplomatic engagement with Israel, its ambassador Mohamed Hagi said. The move comes after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared republic.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the planned opening in Jerusalem would be “another significant step” in strengthening ties.
Once established, it would become the eighth embassy in the city.
Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, has functioned with de facto autonomy since 1991, when Somalia plunged into civil war. Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and security structures, it has not been internationally recognised by most countries.
Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state in December 2025. Somalia strongly rejected the move, describing it as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, has long campaigned for international recognition. It hopes Israel’s decision will encourage other countries to follow and expand its access to international markets.
Most countries keep their embassies in Tel Aviv, with only a small number maintaining missions in Jerusalem. The United States relocated its embassy there during the Trump administration, and a limited number of states, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea, have followed.
Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, although this is not widely recognised internationally. The United Nations and most countries consider East Jerusalem to be occupied territory. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza.
Israel is among a very small number of countries to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, while Somaliland itself is one of the few Muslim-majority entities to signal plans for an embassy in Jerusalem.
For Somaliland, the move represents both symbolism and strategy. For Israel, it adds another partner in a region where diplomatic ties remain limited.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported...
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The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 100 lives, with health authorities warning that armed conflict and atta...
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending...
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended pending a vote by member states on whether he should be removed fr...
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
The United States has added some of China's biggest technology and automotive companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and Nio, to a Pentagon list of firms it believes are linked to Beijing's military.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 100 lives, with health authorities warning that armed conflict and attacks on aid workers are hindering efforts to contain the disease.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending what would have been a historic moment for Somali football.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have meanwhile made pleas for peace.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Uzbekistan and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, energy and food security following high-level meetings held during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the U.S. would bear direct responsibility for any escalation in West Asia after Iran and Israel resumed strikes for the first time since the April ceasefire.
Four Palestinians, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Monday (8 June), according to local health officials, as mediators continued efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Kazakhstan will require major businesses to introduce five-year water-saving plans as authorities warn that worsening shortages could threaten not only the environment but also the country's economy.
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