A high-level delegation from the Israeli government, led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, arrived in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, today.
The delegation, whose information and security were tightened, is accompanied by Sa’ar and other officials from the Israeli government. According to local and Israeli media reports, the delegation will meet with the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro.
Upon landing at Hargeisa airport, the delegation was escorted to the presidential palace, with Israeli warplanes reportedly circling the airspace over Somaliland to protect the delegation’s security.
Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland last month, and many countries, including Somalia, have since condemned it. President Hassan Sheikh said they will never accept the recognition of Somaliland.
The delegation is also expected to visit business centers in the cities of Hargeisa and Berbera, to explore investment and cooperation opportunities between the two sides.
It is also reported that the minister is carrying an official letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requesting President Irrawaddy to visit Israel soon. So far, the Somaliland government has not commented on the delegation’s arrival.
