As a World Cup host, the U.S. shouldn't be flippantly barring officials from entering the country to do their jobs.
It's terribly backward.
It's also counterproductive.
Global sports competitions should improve international exchange and relations, not the reverse.
34 years later, Somaliland welcomes its first foreign minister on an official visit — and as a recognized state. Leadership, diplomacy, and stability speak louder than condemnations.
Today, at the Presidential Palace, I received
@gidonsaar H.E. Mr. Gideon Sa’ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, and a high-level delegation on an official visit to the Republic of Somaliland, the first such visit by a foreign minister in 34 years. I conveyed my deep appreciation to the Government of Israel for its historic and courageous decision of 26 December 2025 to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland. This milestone reflects a relationship founded on mutual respect and shared interests, aimed at cooperation and stability without prejudice to any party.
I emphasized that this recognition opens a new chapter of formal diplomatic relations, security, economic, and development cooperation, serving the mutual interests of both nations and contributing positively to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
I also reaffirmed that Somaliland is a reliable and responsible partner, strategically positioned and committed to advancing regional and international peace, security, and constructive engagement.
The Federal Republic of #Somalia condemns in the strongest terms the unauthorized incursion by the #Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs into #Hargeisa, an integral and inseparable part of the sovereign territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
https://t.co/JD6m2zIIBy
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said it was a “great honor” to carry out the first-ever official political visit to Somaliland, following an invitation from President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Sa’ar stressed that the visit sends a clear message: Israel is determined to fast-track political and diplomatic ties with Somaliland. He confirmed holding what he described as substantive and wide-ranging discussions with the president and senior officials on advancing bilateral relations.