Somaliland to open its first-ever embassy in Jerusalem; Sa’ar hails ‘important’ move

Somaliland will open its first-ever embassy in Jerusalem, announces Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi.

“I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Somaliland’s Embassy will be located in Jerusalem — the Embassy will be opened soon, while Israel will also establish its Embassy in Hargeisa, reflecting growing friendship, mutual respect and strategic cooperation between our two peoples,” writes Hagi on X.

I commend my friend, President of Somaliland @Abdirahmanirro, on his important decision to establish Somaliland’s Embassy in our eternal capital, Jerusalem.

The opening of the embassy in Jerusalem will be another significant step in strengthening relations between our countries… https://t.co/SGXtIZ33KU pic.twitter.com/QeHSDPoGqB

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 19, 2026

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hails the “important decision” to open the embassy in “our eternal capital, Jerusalem,” calling it “another significant step in strengthening relations between our countries and nations.”

Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence in December. The African nation will be the eighth country to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

The government approved on Sunday a proposal to financially incentivize countries to move their embassies to Jerusalem. Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1980 and considers the entire city its capital.

Most of the international community says the final borders of the city should be decided in negotiations with the Palestinians. Many countries maintain their embassies in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, while maintaining consulates in Jerusalem.