New Delhi, Jan. 7 -- The Israeli foreign minister visited Somaliland in the Horn of Africa on Tuesday and promised Israel would foster flourishing ties as the first country to recognize the breakaway republic's independence from Somalia.

On his first official visit to Somaliland, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel would soon open an embassy and appoint an ambassador, despite broad international criticism over its decision to extend recognition to the territory, which most of the world considers part of Somalia.

"Nobody will determine for Israel who we recognize and who we maintain diplomatic relations with," Saar said, according to a transcript shared with The Associated Press.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi sa...