Wednesday March 19, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden has stated that any country wishing to engage Somaliland in discussions about Palestine must first formally recognize its sovereignty.
In an interview with Israel’s state broadcaster KAN, Aden emphasized that Somaliland will not consider diplomatic talks with nations that do not acknowledge its independence. "We are open to discussions on any issue, but countries seeking dialogue with us must first establish official diplomatic relations and open an embassy in Somaliland," he said.
His comments follow reports that some governments have explored the possibility of relocating displaced Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland. Aden denied any official engagement on the matter, stating that no country had approached Somaliland with such a proposal.
The Associated Press recently reported that officials from Israel and the United States had discussed potential resettlement plans with Somaliland, Somalia, and Sudan. However, all three governments denied having received formal requests.
Aden reiterated that Somaliland’s foremost priority remains international recognition. "What matters most to us is securing recognition after demonstrating to the world that we are a peaceful and democratic nation," he said.
Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa, has functioned as a de facto independent state since breaking away from Somalia in 1991, though it remains unrecognized by the international community.