Israel is the first country in the world to recognise Somaliland. Trump: 'We will study and evaluate'

Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an 'independent and sovereign state', becoming the first country in the world to take this step towards the self-proclaimed republic breaking away from Somalia. This was stated by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu's office. "The prime minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state," Netanyahu's office said. "Netanyahu, his chief of diplomacy (Gideon) Saar and the president of the Republic of Somaliland signed a joint and mutual declaration," according to a statement.

"The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has noted with deep concern the recent developments regarding ;;Somaliland" and has "firmly rejected any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia." This is stated on the African Union's website. "Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia is contrary to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent."

The Somali Foreign Ministry denounced Israel's "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty, warning that recognition of Somaliland would "undermine regional peace". "Illegitimate actions of this nature seriously undermine regional peace and stability, exacerbating political and security tensions," the ministry said in a note.

Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, criticised Israel's position recognising the breakaway territory of Somaliland as an independent state, calling it an "interference" in Somali affairs. "This move by Israel, in line with its expansionist policy and its efforts to prevent the recognition of a Palestinian state, constitutes blatant interference in Somalia's internal affairs," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Egypt joined Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti in condemning Israel's recognition of Somaliland, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said. The two countries' top diplomats spoke by telephone after Israel's announcement, the same ministry specified. "The ministers affirmed their complete rejection and condemnation of Israeli recognition of the Somaliland region and stressed their full support for Somalia's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement read.