Somaliland President Abdullahi discusses diplomatic channels with US and Ethiopia for international recognition
via The Reporter Ethiopia1 min read
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro stated that his administration maintains open diplomatic channels with the United States and Ethiopia to secure further international recognition. Speaking to i24NEWS in Jerusalem on June 18, 2026, President Abdullahi confirmed that regional nations, including Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya, are also top foreign policy priorities for Hargeisa. This diplomatic push follows Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland in late 2025, which President Abdullahi noted was the second time Israel recognized Somaliland, the first being in 1960. Somaliland is establishing an embassy in Jerusalem and offering access to the Berbera Port. President Abdullahi rejected the description of Somaliland as a breakaway region, asserting its sovereignty predated Somalia's government formation in 1960. He also mentioned a previous Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland from January 1, 2024, for maritime access and political recognition, which was halted due to regional diplomatic pressure and Turkish-mediated talks between Ethiopia and Somalia.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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