"Somaliland welcomed Israel's decision to recognise it as an independent state, more than three decades after the self-governing region declared independence from Somalia. In an exclusive interview on Saturday, Somaliland's Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Awareness, Muuse Askar Guuled, said Israel's decision marked a breakthrough after decades of diplomatic isolation. "Israel has opened the door [...] It has responded to the long-standing request of the Republic of Somaliland, which has for many years appealed to the international community for recognition. We sincerely thank the Government of Israel for responding to our demands and aspirations for Somaliland’s independence," he said. Guuled now hopes the recognition by Israel could encourage other countries to follow, helping Somaliland gain access to international markets and strengthen its diplomatic standing after seeking it for more than 34 years. "I believe the time has borne fruit, the world is now ready to be convinced to recognise Somaliland," he stated. "What we are offering the international community and what it cannot overlook is our democracy, stability, and security; our openness to the world; and our strategic location, which the world needs to engage with, and where neighbouring states have failed to fill that role," the deputy minister continued. Israel's decision has been condemned by several countries, including Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who, in a statement, affirmed their 'total rejection' of Tel Aviv's recognition. On Friday, Somalia demanded that Israel reverse its recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, describing the move as an act of 'aggression that will never be tolerated.' In response, Guuled said opposition from those governments was long-standing and expected. "If they do not grant us recognition, they cannot stop others from doing so," he said. "Their hostility does not affect Somaliland. Their own countries face serious problems [...] Those who support us are more numerous than those who are hostile." Israel is the first country to formally recognise Somaliland since it broke away from Somalia in 1991, following letters sent in May 2025 by Somaliland's president to 190 countries seeking international recognition. With a population of nearly six million, Somaliland has remained isolated since its 1991 declaration of independence, despite maintaining relative stability in a volatile region. Somaliland briefly gained international recognition in 1960 before joining Somalia later that year. It has since established its own currency, flag, and parliament, though its eastern territories remain disputed and the country remains unrecognised by the United Nations."