UAE declines to condemn Israeli recognition of Somaliland

QUDS, Dec. 28 (YPA) – Abu Dhabi refrained from signing the Arab-Islamic statement condemning the announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize “Somaliland”, in move aimed at keeping its interests in the Gulf of Aden, the Israeli newspaper Ynet reported on Sunday.

The report noted that while the move provoked widespread Arab and Islamic condemnation, prompting 21 countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Iran to sign a joint statement, the UAE was noticeably absent, despite the normalization of relations with Israeli occupation in 2020.

According to Ynet, the UAE’s position was deliberate, reflecting years of efforts to strengthen relations with “Somaliland”, including a military base in the coastal city of Berbera since 2017. The base reportedly has a four-kilometer runway and a deep-water port under construction, capable of accommodating heavy and combat aircraft.

The newspaper added that Abu Dhabi was pursuing a two-track policy, deepening relations with” Somaliland”, while continuing official communication with the internationally recognized Somali government through high-level visits aimed at expanding cooperation and promoting stability and development.

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