Somaliland president meets Israeli counterpart in first Jerusalem visit

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on Sunday became the first president of Somaliland to visit Israel, months after Israel recognised the breakaway east African state.

In a post on X, Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, expressed that he was "honoured by the warm welcome" received from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, adding that the visit "marks a historic milestone" in the territory's relationship with Tel Aviv. 

"For thirty-five years, the people of Somaliland have built a peaceful, democratic, and resilient nation. We asked the world: Do you see us? Israel answered first," he said.

"Today, history is being written, and Somaliland stands ready to forge a shared future founded on friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect."

Abdullahi is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar during his two-day visit, Israeli newspaper Maariv reported.

Somaliland is an autonomous region in northern Somalia that declared independence in 1991. However, the territory remains internationally recognised as part of Somalia by the UN, African Union and most governments worldwide.

Israel became the first United Nations member to recognise Somaliland as an independent state in December.

Analysts have suggested Israel's recognition of Somaliland could strengthen its presence near key shipping lanes and counter the influence of Iran and its regional allies.  

Bismillahi Rahmani Rahiim;

I have arrived in Israel as the first President of the Republic of Somaliland to undertake a State Visit, and I am honoured by the warm welcome extended by my friend, President @Isaac_Herzog

For thirty-five years, the people of Somaliland have built… pic.twitter.com/oSSKVAcVYH

— Cabdiraxmaan Cirro (@Abdirahmanirro) June 14, 2026

Somaliland is a strategic node in a wider struggle for influence playing out in the region. The unrecognised state is 30km south of the Bab el-Mandab Strait, the narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea.

In 2017, the Somaliland government accepted a bid by the he United Arab Emirates to establish a military base at the territory's port of Berbera, hoping that this relationship would strengthen its case for independence.

Since Israel’s recognition, Somaliland officials have discussed also building an Israeli military base in the territory, despite previous denials of such a plan from Hargeisa’s foreign ministry.

A foothold in Somaliland would put Israel a short distance away from Yemen’s Houthis, who have targeted shipping in the Red Sea in what they said was retaliation for Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Herzog said he hoped for increased bilateral "cooperation in a range of fields" between Israel and Somaliland.

"We both seek security and stability in the region and in the Horn of Africa. We both see the importance of protecting maritime freedom," Herzog said.

Israel's support for the secessionist state comes as it deepens already close ties to the UAE, which also supports Somaliland.

In early February, Abdullahi told Reuters that he expects to reach a trade agreement with Israel, and is willing to offer rights to mineral deposits on its territory as part of a deal. 

Ties with Israel could offer Somaliland opportunities to strengthen its own military. The breakaway region has flagged threats to its security since the UN partially lifted its arms embargo on Somalia in 2023.