By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Washington, 15 September 2016 Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland reflected a broader shift in how governments view the strategic interests of the Horn of Africa, describing it as a decision based on security and regional interests.
Irro made the remarks on Monday during an address at the Hudson Institute in Washington, where he discussed Somaliland’s relations with Israel and the wider security environment around the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.
“We met with Israeli political, security, and business leaders,” Irro said, describing the discussions as involving two democracies on opposite sides of the Red Sea seeking ways to advance stability, prosperity and regional security.
He said Israel’s recognition reflected what he described as a changing approach by governments toward the Horn of Africa, with greater emphasis on strategic and security interests.
“Israel recognized us not as a favour, but as a strategic decision,” Irro said.
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He said the recognition was part of a broader shift away from what he called outdated diplomatic conventions and toward a more direct assessment of mutual security interests.
Irro highlighted the importance of cooperation between Somaliland and Israel on regional stability, economic development and security.
He said Somaliland would continue pursuing international partnerships based on what he described as shared strategic and security interests.
Somaliland has long sought international recognition of its claimed independence from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory.