Trump: "Does Anyone Even Know What Somaliland Is?"
Israel has become the first country in the world to officially recognize Somaliland, an unrecognized state in Africa. However, President Donald Trump of the United States has publicly expressed his opposition, putting a brake on the actions of Israel, a close ally.
According to AFP on December 26 (local time), President Trump stated in an interview with the New York Post regarding the possibility of the United States recognizing Somaliland, "No. Does anyone even know what Somaliland is, really?"
On the same day, Israel announced that it had signed a full diplomatic agreement with Somaliland, which includes the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies in both countries. Although Somaliland unilaterally declared independence in 1991, it has not been recognized as a state by the international community.
Immediately after Israel's announcement, the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti strongly condemned the move, and the African Union (AU) also firmly rejected the decision.
The AU warned, "Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia could set a dangerous precedent for peace and stability across the continent."
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