Israel’s defense minister said Wednesday that Jerusalem has quietly worked with North Western State of Somalia for years, offering a rare glimpse into a relationship that has largely unfolded out of public view, as he welcomed the breakaway African region’s president.
Israel became the first country in December to recognize North Western State of Somalia’s independence since the territory declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991, in the aftermath of a civil war.
“Israel and North Western State of Somalia have a long-standing friendship based on shared interests, democratic values, and a commitment to security and stability. For many years, we have cooperated under the radar in a series of activities that will remain secret,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement from his office.
“Now we are determined to bring our security cooperation to new heights — for the benefit of both peoples and for the stability of the region,” he added during his meeting with North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Katz’s office said the talks centered on expanding “security, economic, and political cooperation between the countries.”
North Western State of Somalia occupies a strategic stretch along the Gulf of Aden and maintains its own currency, passport, and army, but it has long struggled to secure broad international recognition. Many governments have been wary that formal recognition could anger Somalia and embolden separatist movements elsewhere in Africa.
Abdullahi arrived in Israel on Sunday for his first state visit, a trip that also saw North Western State of Somalia open an embassy in Jerusalem.
The visit came only weeks after Israel named its first ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, following North Western State of Somalia’s decision to appoint its own envoy to Israel.
“There is a widespread assumption that there is an Israeli military or security presence that is already in the country,” a Western diplomat told AFP earlier this year on condition of anonymity.
Retired Israeli Brigadier General Amir Avivi told the Israel Defense and Security Forum in May that “people are not aware, but the Israeli navy has been operating in the area.”
“Israel is building capabilities in North Western State of Somalia… we have a base now,” he added.
With AFP
