World Israel and Somaliland have been officially moving towards a strategic partnership By The News Digital Published June 20, 2026

Israel accorded a state reception for Somaliland’s president in Jerusalem, bestowing a highly regarded award on the leader of a territory still unrecognized by any nation other than Israel.

Last Sunday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi made his first ever visit to a Somaliland leader, six months after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the breakaway region’s independence from Somalia.

Abdullahi told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “For 35 years we have been asking the world to see us. And Israel and you yourself were the first to see us and recognize us.”

Somaliland sits opposite the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, controlling a vast coastline along one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

Israel, which has spent the past two years exchanging fire with Yemen’s Houthis while watching the Red Sea face frequent trade disruptions, has taken on an emerging prominence in the region.

A senior researcher at the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies, Moses Chrispus Okello said: “ Israel and Somaliland are going into the consolidation phase of this relationship and obviously the pageantry with which Cirro has been received demonstrates that.”

While the crucial decision to strengthen relationships appeared largely popular in Somaliland during an Israeli delegation’s visit for Independence Day, rumbles of discontent have been escalating since.

Somaliland’s president Netanyahu announced during a meeting with Netanyahu that the agreement marked the beginning of the most substantial phase in diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation between their nations.

Source: The News

JERUSALEM, Israel – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), and his high-level delegation convened a strategic meeting today with senior directors of MASHAV—Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation—on the fourth day of their official state visit to Israel.

The session marked a significant milestone in bilateral technical cooperation, as the President and his entourage welcomed the second cohort of 25 Somaliland water engineers—both male and female—who have successfully undertaken an intensive training program in Israel. The curriculum, facilitated by MASHAV, focused on integrated water resource management, sustainable water governance, conservation strategies, and infrastructure development.

In his address, President Cirro lauded the ongoing efforts to elevate the technical proficiency and professional expertise of Somaliland’s specialists, reaffirming that investing in knowledge development and human capital remains a cornerstone of the nation’s long-term developmental vision. He extended personal encouragement to the engineers, commending their commitment and urging them to apply their newly acquired skills for the benefit of their communities and the country at large.

The President further expressed sincere appreciation to MASHAV and its dedicated personnel for their instrumental role in deepening bilateral collaboration across critical development sectors. He highlighted the agency’s contributions to technical capacity-building, institutional strengthening, and the advancement of water sciences within Somaliland’s relevant authorities.

This engagement exemplifies the deepening partnership between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel, particularly in areas of shared priority including water security, knowledge transfer, and professional development—underscoring a mutual commitment to sustainable progress and regional cooperation.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Tel Aviv – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, alongside the high-level delegation accompanying him on the fourth day of an official visit to Israel, held an important meeting today with Israel’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Mr. Eli Cohen, whose portfolio includes the Israel Water Authority.

The talks focused on how Somaliland can benefit from Israel’s advanced expertise and cutting-edge technology in water management, rainwater harvesting, modern irrigation, and addressing the challenges Somaliland faces concerning water scarcity and recurring droughts.

President Cirro and members of his delegation provided an in-depth briefing on the challenges Somaliland encounters in developing and utilizing its water resources, while exploring avenues for cooperation and strengthening water security, enhancing agricultural productivity, and building the resilience of Somaliland’s communities to adapt to and withstand the impacts of climate change.

This meeting is part of the Republic of Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to engage in international cooperation related to the management, development, and utilization of water resources and associated services—grounded in knowledge, modern technology, and investment that directly benefit the people of Somaliland.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Tel Aviv, Israel – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi (Cirro), and the high-level delegation he is leading on the fourth day of an official visit to Israel, held a significant meeting today with Israel’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Israel Katz, along with senior accompanying officials. The talks centered on strategic matters pertaining to regional security, stability, intelligence cooperation, and the strengthening of bilateral relations.

President Cirro was accompanied in the meeting by the Minister of Defense and National Security of Somaliland, the Commander of the National Armed Forces, the Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Agency, along with other ministers and senior members of the presidential delegation.

During this historic meeting, both sides deliberated on strategic issues of particular importance to both Somaliland and Israel, notably in the fields of security, regional stability, intelligence agency collaboration, and the enhancement of bilateral ties.

Both parties affirmed the importance of cooperation built on mutual respect, shared interests, and the preservation of regional peace and security. They clearly underscored their firm commitment to strengthening the friendly relations and strategic partnership between their two countries.

This meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to establish lasting relations between the Republic of Somaliland and Israel, grounded in trust, cooperation, and a shared vision oriented toward peace, security, and development that benefits both nations.

His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), President of the Republic of Somaliland, received the prestigious Friends of Zion National Award during a gala dinner held at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem last night.

The Friends of Zion National Award is among the highest honors the State of Israel bestows upon foreign leaders who have demonstrated steadfast friendship and solidarity with the Jewish state. The accolade recognizes individuals and heads of state who hold a special place in the hearts of the Israeli people.

This distinguished international honor has previously been conferred upon a number of global figures, including former U.S. President George W. Bush, current U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, former Liberian President George Weah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, among others.

The presentation of the award to President Cirro underscores the depth and strategic significance of the burgeoning friendship and cooperative partnership between the Republic of Somaliland and Israel.

It also serves as a formal acknowledgment of Somaliland’s constructive role in promoting peace, democracy, interfaith coexistence, and regional stability. The honor further solidifies mutual trust and paves the way for expanded bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, trade, economic development, and knowledge-sharing.

This historic ceremony marks a significant milestone in elevating Somaliland’s profile and international standing on the world stage, reaffirming its growing recognition as a reliable and valued partner in the region.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic and members of the delegation he is leading, today made a historic courtesy visit to the Parliament of the State of Israel (the Knesset).

The President was received there with a full ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour, reflecting the level of respect, honour, and esteem that the Government of Israel holds for the Republic of Somaliland, its leadership, and its heads of state.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland signed the Guest Book of Honour for international dignitaries visiting the Knesset, inscribing a national message that reflects the values of democracy, peace, stability, cooperation, friendship, and the growing relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel, which are of mutual benefit to both peoples.

Drawing on his 12 years of experience as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi underscored the importance of cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the legislative bodies of the two countries, which will play a significant role in strengthening democracy, political parties, and the electoral process.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland extended his profound gratitude to the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament, Mr. Amir Ohana, the leadership, members, and ladies of the Knesset for the dignity and high honour with which they received him and his delegation.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland’s visit to the Knesset is among the historic events bearing witness to the growing role of the Republic of Somaliland in regional and international affairs, further solidifying the reputation, prestige, and positive image that Somaliland holds on the global stage.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

JERUSALEM — The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), and his high-level delegation, now on the third day of their official visit to Israel, held a pivotal meeting on Monday with Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, H.E. Nir Barkat.

The talks, conducted in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, centered on deepening economic and developmental collaboration between Somaliland and Israel. Discussions placed a strong emphasis on exploring emerging opportunities for investment, bilateral trade, and the expansion of Somaliland’s productive sectors.

Minister Barkat, whose portfolio encompasses industrial policy, trade, investment, exports, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development, and foreign direct investment attraction, engaged with the Somaliland delegation on a wide array of strategic issues.

Key agenda items included:

· Facilitating Israeli corporate investment in Somaliland;
· Strengthening the strategic positioning of the Port of Berbera and its associated Free Trade Zone;
· Bolstering SME growth and capacity-building;
· Modernizing and scaling up Somaliland’s livestock and agricultural export sectors; and
· Enhancing joint cooperation in innovation, technology, and the digital economy.

President Cirro and his delegation provided a comprehensive overview of Somaliland’s abundant natural resources and the investment-friendly environment available to international partners. They detailed the wide-ranging opportunities across multiple sectors, underscoring Somaliland’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for commerce and logistics.

Both sides exchanged forward-looking perspectives on creating a dynamic business climate that attracts fresh capital and expertise, while elevating their bilateral economic ties to the mutual benefit of their peoples.

This high-level engagement forms an integral part of broader efforts to build a strategic partnership rooted in sustainable development, investment flows, trade integration, and knowledge-sharing. The meeting paves the way for new avenues of cooperation that promise to further strengthen the steadily growing relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today with the President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. The leaders first met one-on-one and an expanded meeting was held afterwards. At the conclusion of the meeting, the leaders signed a Joint Declaration on strengthening the cooperation between the two states, and delivered statements.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“This is a historic moment. It’s the first official visit by the President of Somaliland after the official recognition of Somaliland. We are proud, and I am proud that my government is the first government on the planet to recognize Somaliland. Others will follow.

And I think that these steps reflect a deep spiritual bond between our peoples. The Jewish people know what it means to possess an ancient history, a distinct identity, an unbreakable national spirit, yet still be denied recognition. And today Israel recognizes Somaliland and helps correct a historic injustice.

I believe that we can expand our relations to many, many things. We discussed this both in my private meeting with the President, but also with our teams. There’s much to do in the field of water, in the field of agriculture, in the field of technology, in the field of security – and in many other areas that Israel welcomes the cooperation and participation of our own people with your people, Mr. President. I think it’s a friendship that is just getting closer and stronger all the time.

This is by way of expressing also our appreciation for the fact that you’re opening an embassy in Jerusalem, our ancient capital. It is your parallel recognition – just as you expect nations to recognize your sovereignty, your identity, your own rights, your own national rights. The same thing we have vis-à-vis our capital. It’s only been the capital of the Jewish people since King David. That’s only 3,000 years ago. So, for some countries, it’s a belated recognition. For you, it was instant. And I very much welcome that.

And I want to thank you and your distinguished delegation of ministers and officials. Welcome to Israel. Welcome to Jerusalem, our capital. And may we go from strength to strength.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu added:
“Israel and Somaliland stand at the opposite sides of the Red Sea, but we are united by the same belief that freedom, democracy and opportunity are stronger than extremism, terrorism and chaos. So, this agreement is not only about diplomacy. It’s about building farms, agriculture, hospitals, businesses, technologies and jobs. It is about turning friendship into prosperity for both our peoples.

The enemies of peace – and there are quite a few of them around us – the enemies of peace build tunnels, missiles, terror armies. We will build something stronger: partnerships, innovation, a future of hope and security. So today we extend a hand of warm friendship to Somaliland, and we will build our tomorrow together. And together we will show that the future belongs not to the forces of terror, but to the forces of peace.

In that spirit, I welcome you once again to Jerusalem. Welcome. Thank you all.

Source: Prime Minister Office