Key facts
- Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi made a historic state visit to Israel.
- Israel recognized Somaliland's independence in December 2025.
- A strategic cooperation agreement was signed between Israel and Somaliland.
- The agreement focuses on expanding cooperation in security, trade, and regional strategy.
- Somaliland's embassy in Jerusalem is scheduled to open.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday for a landmark state visit, marking a new chapter in relations between the two countries. This visit follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland's independence from Somalia in December 2025, making it the first UN member state to do so.
During the visit, Israel and Somaliland signed a strategic cooperation agreement and held meetings focused on enhancing collaboration in security, trade, and regional strategy. Somaliland views this relationship as crucial for broader international recognition, while Israel sees strategic advantages in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning Red Sea security and countering Iranian influence.
President Abdullahi is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. He is also scheduled to address the Knesset and oversee the opening of Somaliland's embassy in Jerusalem. This move positions Somaliland as the eighth country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem.
Somaliland, an autonomous region in northern Somalia, declared independence in 1991 but remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia. The territory's strategic location, approximately 30 km from the Bab el-Mandab Strait, is seen as a key factor in Israel's growing interest in the region.