JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel and Somaliland have cooperated quietly for years on security matters and are now committed to elevating their partnership, following a high-level meeting with Somaliland’s president.

Katz made the remarks during Tuesday’s meeting with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, according to a statement released by his office.

“For many years, we cooperated under the radar in a series of operations that will remain classified,” Katz said. “Now we are determined to bring our security cooperation to new heights, for the benefit of both peoples and for the benefit of stability in the region.”

The meeting, which included senior military and defense officials from both sides, signals a push toward more open collaboration between Israel and the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa.

From the Israeli side, attendees included Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, head of the IDF’s Planning Directorate; senior Defense Ministry officials; and Israel’s designated ambassador to Somaliland.

Somaliland’s delegation featured its defense minister, presidential affairs minister, army chief, president’s chief of staff, deputy intelligence chief, and designated ambassador to Israel.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized as a sovereign state, has sought closer ties with Israel in recent years amid regional security challenges.

VINnews will continue to monitor developments in Israel’s expanding diplomatic and security relationships in the region.