Somaliland’s President, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, announced that he had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, to congratulate the people of Somaliland on the 35th anniversary of their independence, which will be celebrated on May 18, 2026. According to a statement from Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the two leaders discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship between Israel and Somaliland. President Irro stated, “I spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister today and he asked me to extend his congratulations to the people of Somaliland on this momentous occasion.” In 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize Somaliland. Additionally, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gideon Sa’ar, also sent congratulatory remarks to the people of Somaliland for their independence anniversary. Taiwan also extended their congratulations to Somaliland for this occasion. On Tuesday, His Excellency, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, accepted the Letters of Credence from the new Somaliland ambassador to Israel, Mr. Mohamed Haji, at a ceremony held at the Israeli Presidential Palace in Jerusalem. President Herzog expressed his joy in receiving the first Somaliland envoy and stated that the new bilateral relationship between Israel and Somaliland will lead to cooperation in various fields. He said, “I am pleased to receive the first Somaliland ambassador to Israel, Mr. Mohamed Haji, who presented his letter of credence to me yesterday.” President Herzog also mentioned that Somaliland’s national anthem was played publicly in Israel for the first time on May 18, 2026, during the historic diplomatic ceremony. He added, “This important partnership between our countries will lead to a shared future that will benefit both our peoples and the region as a whole.” The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland described this event as a historic moment for Somaliland, highlighting the rapid growth of their international relations. A statement from the ministry stated that the presentation of the letters of credence marks the opening of Somaliland’s embassy in Israel and the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
