Somaliland envoy makes Israel history

Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Monday, marking a first for the self-declared state. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks broad international recognition. Somalia has rejected Israel’s move, saying it opposes recognition of what it considers part of Somalia. Herzog said Israel seeks cooperation with Somaliland in food security, energy and science. Hagi called the relationship “strong” and said it would “pave the way” for cooperation in development, politics, security and people-to-people ties.