Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a major diplomatic milestone for Somaliland republic .
The recognition was announced Dec. 26, 2025, following a videoconference meeting between Somaliland President Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to statements from both governments. The decision was formalized through a joint declaration of mutual recognition.
Israeli officials said the declaration was signed by Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the Somaliland president and provides for the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
In an official declaration issued by the Office of the President, Somaliland said it “warmly welcomes and deeply appreciates the historic and principled decision by the State of Israel to officially recognize its sovereignty and independence,” describing the move as a milestone in its long pursuit of international legitimacy.
“This recognition represents a milestone in Somaliland’s longstanding pursuit of international legitimacy, reaffirming its historical, legal, and moral entitlement to statehood,” the statement said, adding that it reflects mutual respect and shared interests between the two sides.
Netanyahu said the move reflects growing political, diplomatic and strategic alignment between Israel and Somaliland.
“This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu said, referring to the U.S.-brokered agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. He congratulated the Somaliland president and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace.
Somaliland’s presidential statement said the recognition underscores Somaliland’s record as “a stable, democratic, and responsible partner in the Horn of Africa,” and opens a new chapter for cooperation in security, diplomacy and development.
Israel said it plans to immediately expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and economic development. Netanyahu also extended a formal invitation to the Somaliland president to visit Israel for further discussions on shared interests and priority issues.
In response to Israel’s decision, Somaliland said it intends to accede to the Abraham Accords, describing the framework as a platform for cooperation, dialogue and regional peace. The statement said Somaliland is committed to building constructive partnerships, promoting shared prosperity and contributing to peace and stability across the Middle East and Africa.
Sa’ar said relations between Israel and Somaliland had taken shape over the past year through sustained dialogue. He said his ministry had been instructed to move quickly to institutionalize ties across a wide range of sectors.
“We will work together to promote relations between our countries and peoples, regional stability and economic prosperity,” Sa’ar said.
Netanyahu also thanked Sa’ar, Mossad Director David Barnea and Israel’s intelligence services for their role in advancing the agreement, while wishing the people of Somaliland “success, prosperity and freedom.”
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement, saying momentum was building and that further official statements were expected.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government. It has since maintained its own government, security institutions and electoral processes, but until now had not received formal recognition from any country.
