Israel on Friday formally recognised Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties, as the region's leader hailed its first-ever official recognition.

Somaliland, a territory of more than 3 million people in the Horn of Africa, seceded from Somalia more than three decades ago, but it hadn't internationally been recognized as an independent state by any country

President says his country wants to join Abraham Accords; move sparks anger among regional powers who say it undermines sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia

The decision has been condemned by Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti, who call it a dangerous precedent.

The decision has been condemned by Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti, who call it a dangerous precedent.

Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Israel on Friday became the first U.N. member state to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland's independence three decades after its creation in the Horn of Africa.

Israel officially recognizes Somaliland as an independent state, potentially reshaping regional dynamics and impacting Somalia's territorial integrity.

Israel officially recognizes Somaliland as an independent state, potentially reshaping regional dynamics and impacting Somalia's territorial integrity.