The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, today received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Gideon Sa’ar, and his delegation at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa during an official visit.
This marks the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Somaliland in 34 years, coming shortly after Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland’s independence on December 26, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the government, nation, and people of Somaliland, President Irro expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Israel for their decision to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty. He described the recognition as a landmark achievement with profound diplomatic, economic, and developmental implications for Somaliland, the Horn of Africa, and the international community.
The President called the occasion a momentous day, stating that Israel’s recognition strengthens Somaliland’s contributions to regional peace, stability, democracy, and freedom of expression while enhancing bilateral cooperation based on shared strategic interests.
He highlighted emerging opportunities in investment, trade, technology, energy, water, minerals, agriculture, and economic infrastructure development, and reaffirmed Somaliland’s readiness for comprehensive and multifaceted partnership with Israel.
For his part, Foreign Minister Sa’ar expressed his government’s satisfaction with granting full recognition to Somaliland and its eagerness to build strong, mutually beneficial relations that serve both nations and their peoples.
The minister emphasized that the decision is grounded in the Somaliland people’s right to self-determination and the pursuit of long-term security and stability in the Horn of Africa. He praised Somaliland’s functioning democracy, internal peace, and constructive role in regional stability.
Sa’ar affirmed Israel’s commitment to advocating Somaliland’s historical case for independence—which has long been overlooked—before the international community. He noted that cooperation between the two countries sets an example of how responsible states can advance global security, sustainable development, and coexistence rooted in mutual respect and sovereignty.
Referencing historical ties, the minister observed that Israel recognized Somaliland’s brief independence on June 26, 1960, has renewed that recognition on December 26, 2025, and will continue to support it through ongoing partnership.
Described as carrying significant diplomatic, strategic, and security weight, the visit signals the beginning of a new and fruitful era in relations between Somaliland and Israel, directly linked to the recent recognition decision.
President Irro assured Minister Sa’ar that Somaliland is a reliable friend, strategically positioned to contribute to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
