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Saudi Arabia has officially inked a defense and military cooperation agreement with Somalia.

Getting into it: The agreement, signed in Riyadh by Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, establishes a framework for military collaboration between the two nations. While the full terms have not been disclosed, Somali officials have confirmed that the pact will encompass military training, technical assistance, defense capability development, and enhanced coordination on security matters. It is also expected to include support for safeguarding Somalia’s airspace and territorial integrity which are critical priorities for a country still battling internal insurgencies like al-Shabab.

Saudi Arabia’s moves come after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region in northern Somalia that has operated with de facto independence since 1991 but remains unrecognized by the international community. Somali officials pushed back strongly, accusing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland of being a direct violation of their sovereignty.

Officials have also expressed anger over reports that Israel may be seeking to establish a military base in Somaliland, which Somalia’s president has vowed to address “with force if necessary.”