Somaliland President, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, who is on a 5-day historic visit to Israel, held a high-level meeting with Israeli Prime MInister, Benyamin Netanyahu— a meeting which marked the beginning of the most significant phase of development relations and strategic cooperation between the state of Israel and Somaliland. President Irro expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu for the bold, historic and huge political and diplomatic decision made by the government of Israel to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent and free country on December 26, 2025.This has become a historic event that has opened a new chapter in the long-term struggle of the people of Somaliland to secure international recognition. The President said that this historic decision is not only a diplomatic recognition, but also an official confirmation that demonstrates to the world the political, legal and historical reality of Somaliland, which for thirty-five years has presented a successful example to the world based on peace, democracy, governance, stability and law and order. Conversely, Somaliland and the government of Israel have officially signed a Strategic Declaration of Cooperation between the two countries. This historic agreement lays the foundation for a long-term strategic relationship, and strengthens the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, security, technology, investment, and social development. This declaration marks the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between Israel and Somaliland, establishing a formal process to deepen the partnership based on mutual respect, trust, interest and shared common goals. In conclusion, President Irro presented the Prime Minister of Israel, Benyamin Netanyahu with a National Medal of Honor for the full recognition given by his government to Somaliland. In addition, the Somaliland President has officially inaugurated and cut the ribbon the first Somaliland embassy established in Jerusalem, which become the first embassy that Somaliland has established in an international and diplomatic capital as a recognized country that is considered for his status and the existence of his nationality. It is noteworthy that Somaliland has become the eight country to have officially inaugurated an embassy in Jerusalem. This move is a clear indication of how Somaliland is expanding its diplomatic relations based on mutual respect, effective cooperation, and shared vision towards peace, security and sustainable development. The official inauguration of this embassy also reinforces a new phase in the relationship between Israel and Somaliland which became the basis for strategic partnership that leads to political, economic and development opportunities for both countries. Irro expressed full confidence that Somaliland will continue to strengthen, to develop friendly relations and strategic cooperation between the two countries in order to benefit the communities of the two countries. Today is a national day ,marked with honor, value and developing diplomatic relations for the people of Somaliland at home and abroad. It is a day marked with a national pride, dignity, and values, which is especially in the hearts of all Somaliland people. In a major diplomatic development, Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Gideon Sa’ar received with a high diplomatic protocol, the President of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirahman Irro, who is on his second day of his official visit to Israel. The bilateral meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel , which was analyzed ways to further strengthen the friendly cooperation and consolidating mutual interests between Somaliland and the government of Israel, with particular focus on the cooperation opportunities in the areas of security, social development, economy, investment, technology, and the development of relations between the two sides. President Irro and Foreign Minister, Mr. Gideon Sa’ar, who delivered diplomatic messages at the meeting, jointly highlighted their commitment to strengthening the relationship and cooperation in many fields, underlining the importance of building a partnership based on mutual respect, interest, and sustainable development. This meeting reflects the growing level of relations between the two countries, and the desire of both sides to rapidly expand and produce strong partnership that serves the interests of both sides. After this historic meeting, Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, hosted a lunch banquet in honor of the visiting Somaliland delegation led by President Irro, which was held at the Ministry’s headquarters.
