Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the head of the only state in the world to recognize Somaliland, met with its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Monday. At the Jerusalem meeting, the two leaders signed a Joint Declaration that covered agreements on agriculture, innovation and maritime security. The momentous meeting marked a major milestone in the deepening alliance between the two countries.

“We are proud, and I am proud, that my government is the first government on the planet to recognize Somaliland. We are united by the same belief that freedom, democracy and opportunity are stronger than extremism, terrorism and chaos,” Netanyahu told the president of Somaliland.

Following the meeting, Abdullahi opened the Somaliland Embassy with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, cutting the blue ribbon marking the opening ceremony.

Eight other countries have embassies in Jerusalem: the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Fiji. Others have embassy branches there, such as Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Still others refuse to move their embassies there until the question of Palestinian statehood and Palestinian claims to Jerusalem remain unresolved.

Sa’ar and Abdullahi had previously met in secret, Sa’ar revealed yesterday: two months before Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland last December.

“I will always be proud of the privilege I had to write, with you and your people, the first pages in the story of the Israel-Somaliland relationship. I am certain this partnership will continue to grow stronger for the benefit of both our nations,” Sa’ar said, thanking the Somaliland leader for opening an embassy in Jerusalem.

Abdullahi is expected to address the Knesset Tuesday evening. Upon his arrival Sunday for his first state visit, the red carpet was rolled out for him in a warm welcome that included a greeting by the guard of honor. He was then swept off on a whirlwind tour of Israel’s famous landmarks, including Mount Herzl, where he laid a memorial wreath on the grave of Theodor Herzl; Yad Vashem; and the Grove of Nations (the National Memorial Tree Planting), where he planted a tree.

He also met with President Isaac Herzog Sunday at the President’s Residence.

During Abdullahi’s meeting with Sa’ar Monday, Sa’ar pointed to the difficulties both countries share, with the recognition of Somaliland by Israel facing the condemnation of dozens of countries internationally.

“There are indeed challenges in building the relationship between Israel and Somaliland,” Sa’ar said.

“Unfortunately, there are many trying to undermine [bilateral ties]. They will not be successful,” he vowed. “I am certain this partnership will continue to grow stronger for the benefit of both our nations.”