Hornpost
Hargeisa / Jerusalem (Horn post) The State of Israel has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a historic diplomatic breakthrough and making Israel the first country to formally extend recognition to Somaliland.
In an official statement released today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recognition following a high-level virtual meeting with the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro). The announcement was accompanied by the signing of a joint and mutual declaration by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and President Cirro.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the declaration was made in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, initiated under former U.S. President Donald Trump, and reflects a shared commitment to peace, stability, and regional cooperation.
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated President Cirro on what he described as a “historic moment” and praised his leadership and dedication to promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. He formally invited the President of Somaliland to pay an official visit to Israel in the near future.
President Cirro, in turn, thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for Israel’s historic decision and expressed appreciation for Israel’s efforts in combating terrorism and advancing regional and international peace.
The Israeli Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to Foreign Minister Sa’ar, Mossad Director David Barnea, and the Israeli intelligence services for their role in facilitating the development. He wished the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom.
Israel further announced plans to immediately expand bilateral relations with Somaliland through extensive cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
In a parallel statement released by the Government of Somaliland, Hargeisa confirmed that the recognition followed a formal video conference held on December 26, 2025, during which both leaders reaffirmed Somaliland’s right to full international recognition and sovereign statehood.
The Somaliland government described the recognition as a “historic and transformative milestone” that opens a new chapter for international engagement, diplomatic relations, economic development, security cooperation, and technological advancement. The statement emphasized that the move strengthens Somaliland’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s invitation for an official presidential visit was welcomed by Somaliland, with both sides agreeing to initiate a new and optimistic phase of strategic, political, and diplomatic partnership.
The recognition is widely viewed as a significant diplomatic precedent that could influence broader international engagement with Somaliland, which has maintained peace, stability, and self-governance since 1991.
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Horn post Staff Reporter
