Somaliland President Meets Herzog During Historic Visit to Israel

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday during his inaugural state visit to Israel.

Abdullahi highlighted the importance of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, describing it as “an important marker” in the evolving relationship between the two nations.

The president thanked the Israeli government, the president, the prime minister, and the foreign minister, and expressed “the appreciation of six million Somaliland Muslims.”

He recalled that for 35 years Somaliland had sought recognition from world leaders, stating, “Only one country desired to see us and recognize Somaliland, and that’s the government of Israel and its people.”

In his remarks, Herzog said the meeting represents “the great potential” of a new partnership, noting that both sides acted with courage and realism.

According to the president, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state had been in effect for several decades.

Herzog added that bilateral relations should now shift from declarations to people‑to‑people cooperation in a range of fields important to both countries.

“We both face the threat of radical extremism,” he said, adding that Jerusalem and Hargeisa seek maritime freedom as well as security and stability in the region and the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland has announced plans to open its first embassy in Jerusalem, joining the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Fiji.