Israel appoints first ambassador to Somaliland
Israel has appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, months after it officially recognised the breakaway region in Somalia.
The appointment of Michael Lotem, who has previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, was reported by Israel’s public broadcaster on Wednesday.
It is the latest step in a partnership that has gathered pace rapidly since December, when Israel became the first country in the world to recognise Somaliland, ending more than 30 years of diplomatic isolation.On Tuesday, Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, told a joint session of parliament that Israel had proven itself a “reliable partner”, drawing lawmakers to their feet in applause.
