Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has held talks with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem during what officials described as a historic first state visit, months after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the breakaway territory’s independence.
Mr Abdullahi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday in the first official overseas state visit by a president of Somaliland since the territory declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and years of civil conflict.
In remarks released by the Israeli president’s office, Mr Abdullahi said the visit marked a significant milestone for Somaliland’s long-running diplomatic campaign.
“This visit carries special significance,” he said.
“It is the first state visit by a president of the Republic of Somaliland to another country, and we are deeply appreciative that the State of Israel has chosen to receive us with such an honour on this historic occasion.”
He added that Somaliland had spent decades seeking international engagement and recognition.
“For the last 35 years, Somaliland has been reaching out to world leaders with one request: to see us,” Mr Abdullahi said. “Only one country chose to recognise Somaliland, and that is the State of Israel and its people.”
Israel formally recognised Somaliland in December, becoming the first country to do so since Somaliland declared independence more than three decades ago.
Although Somaliland operates with its own government, currency, passport and security forces, it has struggled to gain international recognition. Many countries have avoided recognising the territory amid concerns over Somalia’s territorial integrity and fears of encouraging separatist movements elsewhere in Africa.
Speaking during the visit, President Herzog said the meeting reflected the potential for closer ties between the two sides.
“This visit symbolises the great potential of this wonderful new partnership,” he said, expressing hope for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
Mr Herzog also pointed to shared security concerns, saying both sides faced “the threat of radical extremism”, while emphasising the importance of regional stability and safeguarding maritime routes in the strategically important Gulf of Aden.
The visit follows a series of diplomatic developments between the two governments. In recent weeks, Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, after Somaliland named its own envoy to Israel.
Earlier this year, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar travelled to Somaliland in a move that drew criticism from Somalia, which described the visit as an “unauthorised incursion”.
Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory and opposes international recognition of the region.
