Hornpost
Hargeisa (Horn post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), on Monday received Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, and a high-level delegation at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa during an official visit to the country.
Speaking on behalf of himself, the nation, and the people of Somaliland, President Cirro expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Israel for what he described as a “courageous decision” to recognize the Republic of Somaliland. He said the recognition carries significant diplomatic, economic, and developmental implications for Somaliland, the Horn of Africa, and the wider international community.
The President described the day as a historic milestone for Somaliland, noting that Israel’s recognition would strengthen Somaliland’s role in promoting peace, stability, democracy, freedom of expression, and bilateral cooperation. He added that it would also enhance strategic partnerships based on shared interests between the two countries.
President Cirro said the recognition opens broad opportunities for cooperation in investment, trade, technology, energy, water, mining, agriculture, and the development of key economic infrastructure. He reaffirmed Somaliland’s readiness to engage in comprehensive, multi-sectoral cooperation with Israel.
For his part, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said his government was pleased to have granted full recognition to the Republic of Somaliland and expressed Israel’s commitment to building close, wide-ranging relations that would benefit both nations and their peoples.
Sa’ar said the decision to recognize Somaliland was based on the right to self-determination of the Somaliland people, as well as long-term security and stability interests in the Horn of Africa. He commended Somaliland for its functioning democracy, internal peace, and its contribution to regional stability.
The Israeli Foreign Minister also stated that his government is committed to presenting Somaliland’s historical background and sovereignty to the international community, noting that these realities have long been overlooked. He added that cooperation between Somaliland and Israel serves as an example of how responsible states can contribute to global security, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence founded on mutual interests and respect for sovereignty.
Sa’ar further noted that Israel had previously recognized Somaliland on 26 June 1960 and reaffirmed that recognition on 26 December 2025, pledging continued political and diplomatic support in the future.
The visit, described as historic, marked the first time in 34 years that an Israeli foreign minister has visited Somaliland. Officials said it carries significant diplomatic, strategic, and security weight and signals the beginning of a new and productive phase in relations between Somaliland and Israel.
The visit follows Israel’s formal decision on 26 December 2025 to recognize the independence of the Republic of Somaliland.
In closing, President Cirro assured the Israeli delegation that Somaliland is a reliable partner, strategically located and vital to the future of peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
— Statement from the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland
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Horn post staff reporter
