Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan said there are no limits to security cooperation with Israel, declining to rule out an Israeli military presence in his country. In an interview with Kan 11, he predicted that additional states will soon follow Israel's recognition of Somaliland's independence. Adan dismissed criticism from Somalia and Arab states, calling Somalia a 'failed state' that does not control its own territory.
Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan gave an extensive interview to Kan 11's Arabic Desk during a lunchtime edition Thursday, traveling with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on his historic visit to Israel.
Adan said the relationship between Israel and Somaliland is 'open' and that the two countries can discuss any field that serves their mutual interest — economic or security. Pressed on whether that could include an Israeli military presence, he did not rule it out. 'We have no limits, and it's nobody else's business to waste time and energy investigating what Israel and Somaliland are working on together,' he stated.
He predicted that several additional states will soon follow Israel in recognizing Somaliland's independence, particularly the United States and the United Arab Emirates. 'Now with full diplomatic relations, the embassy opening, and the invitation to our president as an official delegation — it will open the door for others.'
Adan dismissed criticism from Arab and Muslim states standing with Somalia as irrelevant. 'Somalia is a failed state. It doesn't control anything beyond Mogadishu — its other territory is run by the terrorist organization al-Shabaab. They are not in a position to criticize or say anything. They should handle their own problems.'
The Zioneer has reported that Somaliland opened its first-ever embassy in Jerusalem earlier this month, that President Abdullahi said an Israeli military base 'could happen,' and that the move drew condemnations from the Arab League and the Palestinian Authority, met by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's pushback.
- DevelopingSomaliland president says Israeli military base 'could happen,' hopes for US recognition
- DevelopingTerror groups, Arab League, PA condemn Somaliland embassy opening in Jerusalem; Sa'ar pushes back
- StrongKatz reveals years of secret security cooperation with Somaliland
- StrongSomaliland defense minister denies Israeli base talks — again, hours after first denial
Source and signal
- Internal intake