Video footage shared on social media purported to show fighter jets flying over Hargeisa, the Somaliland capital, during Saar's visit, but it was not immediately clear which country the aircraft belonged to.
While meeting with the Somaliland leader, Saar said Israel was undeterred by the criticism and that the two governments would “soon” open embassies and appoint ambassadors, according to a transcript shared with The Associated Press.
“We hear the attacks, the criticism, the condemnations,” Saar said. “Nobody will determine for Israel who we recognize and who we maintain diplomatic relations with.”
Saar met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro, and other Somaliland government officials at the presidential palace.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during a descent into conflict that continues to leave the east African country fragile. Despite having its own government and currency, Somaliland had never before been recognized by any nation.
Somalia’s federal government insists Somaliland remains an integral part of Somali territory and warns that recognition undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
