Somaliland opens embassy in Jerusalem, signs strategic deal with Israel
HARGEISA (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Monday inaugurated Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, marking a landmark moment in the territory’s international diplomacy and its rapidly expanding ties with Israel. The opening ceremony, attended by senior officials from both sides, saw Irro cut the ribbon at what Somaliland officials described as the territory’s first embassy in a foreign country. The move places Somaliland among a small number of countries and entities with diplomatic missions in Jerusalem.
The development came during a high-profile visit to Israel by the Somaliland leader, who also held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Somaliland’s presidency, Irro thanked Netanyahu for Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, describing it as a historic step in relations between the two sides. In a statement published by the Somaliland presidency, Somaliland and Israel signed a Declaration of Strategic Cooperation aimed at deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
“On the other hand, the Republic of Somaliland and the government of Israel have officially signed the declaration of the Strategic Cooperation between the two countries. This historic agreement lays the foundation of a lasting strategic relationship, while strengthening cooperation in the areas of economy, security, technology, investment and community development,” the statement said. The presidency added that the agreement “symbolizes the beginning of a new stage of relations between Somaliland and Israel,” establishing a formal framework for long-term cooperation based on mutual interests and shared objectives.
As part of his visit, Irro also met Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who welcomed the Somaliland delegation and pledged support for expanding economic and investment ties. “Welcome to Israel, President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi,” Smotrich said. “The historic visit to Jerusalem symbolizes the strong partnership between the two countries, especially at this time.
Together with the President, I also met with the Governor of the Central Bank and additional ministers from the country. The Ministry of Finance, under my leadership, will work to remove barriers and promote collaborations that will realize the potential for trade and investments between the countries.”
The meetings followed a series of symbolic engagements by the Somaliland president on the first day of his visit. On Sunday, Irro visited the tomb of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, where he laid a wreath.
He also visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, where he paid tribute to victims of the Holocaust. The visit has drawn strong opposition from Somalia’s federal government, which considers Somaliland part of its territory. Speaking last week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud criticised the recognition of Somaliland by Israel, describing it as “not a recognition but a trap” intended to draw Somalia into a conflict that was neither its own nor in its national interest.
Mohamud also warned that serious challenges could emerge from the developments, saying signs of potential “big trouble” were already visible. The latest developments are expected to intensify regional debate over Somaliland’s quest for international recognition, the future of relations between Somaliland and Israel, and the wider geopolitical implications for the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. Contact us: [email protected]
