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Abdullahi thanked Israeli officials for hosting the Somaliland delegation and described the visit as an important milestone in relations between the two governments.
By Shula Rosen
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi arrived in Jerusalem for a state visit focused on expanding relations with Israel, meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and participating in the signing of cooperation agreements in agriculture, finance and technology.
The visit, confirmed during an official welcoming ceremony with Herzog, marked the first visit by a Somaliland head of state to Israel. It comes after Israel’s Dec. 26, 2025, decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Somaliland has since announced plans to establish a formal embassy in Jerusalem, a step that would further strengthen diplomatic relations between the two governments.
At the ceremony, Abdullahi reflected on Somaliland’s decadeslong effort to gain international recognition after declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.
“Israel answered first,” Abdullahi wrote, referring to Somaliland’s 35-year effort to secure recognition.
“Today marks a historic milestone in our journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Somaliland and Israel,” he added.
Herzog welcomed the Somaliland leader in both English and Somali, writing, “Ku soo dhawow Israel” — welcome to Israel.
During their discussions, Abdullahi and Herzog addressed shared security concerns in their respective regions and spoke about the importance of safeguarding maritime freedom.
The visit also included the signing of agreements covering cooperation in agriculture, finance and technology.
Speaking at the reception, Herzog said Israel and Somaliland had “acted with courage and realism,” adding that Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state after it had existed as a reality on the ground for decades.
Herzog also referenced celebrations that took place in Somaliland following the announcement of relations between the two sides.
“The beautiful images of the people of Somaliland waving Israeli flags in celebration of this new relationship warmed all our hearts,” he said.
Abdullahi thanked Israeli officials for hosting the Somaliland delegation and described the visit as an important milestone in relations between the two governments.
The meetings in Jerusalem highlighted the growing ties between Israel and Somaliland following Israel’s recognition decision and the two sides’ plans to expand diplomatic, economic and technological cooperation.
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