The Somaliland government has responded strongly to the Iranian government’s criticism of diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Israel, especially regarding the appointment of a diplomatic envoy.
The Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement published on its website that Somaliland is an independent and democratic country, and has the right to independently determine its foreign policy.
“Somaliland is an independent, stable and democratic country, committed to peace and development. Our alliances are ours to decide, and our relationship with Israel is unbreakable,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Israel’s move to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, describing it as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The ministry’s spokesman, Ismail Baqa’i, said that the move was part of what he described as a plan to undermine the stability of Islamic countries and alienate regional countries.
He also stressed that Somaliland is part of Somalia, and that Israel’s decision directly contradicts international law and the United Nations’ principles of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries.
This reflects a growing diplomatic rift, which is related to the growing ties between Somaliland and Israel.
