Israeli foreign minister in Somaliland: 'Unlike Palestine, it's not a virtual state'

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland for the first official visit since Israel recognized the sovereignty of the breakaway region of Somalia. Saar met with Somaliland’s president, declaring the region "pro-western and friendly to Israel" and contrasting it with what he called the "virtual state" of Palestine. The two nations plan to cooperate on strategic partnerships in defense, water, and other sectors, and Saar is scheduled to visit the port of Berbera, a potential site for an Israeli base. Somalia's foreign ministry condemned the visit as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.