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

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Jerusalem, June 15, 2026 – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), today officially inaugurated and cut the ribbon for the Republic of Somaliland’s Embassy in the city of Jerusalem. This marks the first embassy that the Republic of Somaliland has established in an international diplomatic capital, as a recognized country with due regard for its status and national existence. Notably, Somaliland becomes the eighth country to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

This step clearly demonstrates Somaliland’s continued strengthening of its diplomatic relations built on mutual respect, effective cooperation, and shared vision for peace, security, and sustainable development.

The opening of this embassy also ushers in a new phase in relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel, serving as a foundation for strategic cooperation that opens broad political, economic, and developmental opportunities for both nations.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland expressed full confidence that Somaliland will continue to strengthen, and steadily advance, the friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two countries for the benefit of the peoples on both sides.

Today, June 15, 2026, is a national day for the people of the Republic of Somaliland, wherever they may be—one marked by honor, values, and deep diplomatic history.

It is a day graced with pride, dignity, and national principles, holding a special place in the hearts of all the people of Somaliland.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

JERUSALEM – Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced today that Israel will remove trade and investment barriers with the Republic of Somaliland, following a historic visit by Somaliland’s President to Jerusalem.

“Welcome to Israel, President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi,” Smotrich wrote on X. “The historic visit to Jerusalem symbolizes the strong partnership between our two countries.”

Smotrich confirmed he also met with Somaliland’s Central Bank Governor and other ministers. “The Ministry of Finance, which I head, will work to remove barriers and promote cooperation that will realize the full potential of trade and investments between the two nations,” he added.

The development marks a deepening strategic alliance between Israel and Somaliland, a Horn of Africa nation seeking international recognition. Israeli officials view the move as a significant step toward expanded bilateral ties focused on security, economic development, and regional stability.

Further details on agreements are expected in the coming days.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Tel Aviv – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), who is currently on his official visit to Israel, today held a historic high-level meeting with the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting marks the beginning of the most significant phase in the diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.

President Cirro expressed his gratitude to the Israeli Prime Minister for the courageous, historic decision of political and diplomatic weight made by the Government of Israel when it officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on 26 December 2025. This recognition represents a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in the long-standing struggle of the people of Somaliland to achieve international recognition.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) stated that this historic decision is not merely diplomatic recognition, but an official affirmation that demonstrates to the world the political, legal, and historical reality of Somaliland—a reality that has, for over 35 years, presented to the world a successful model built on peace, democracy, governance, stability, and rule of law.

Furthermore, the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel officially signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement between the two countries. This historic agreement lays the foundation for lasting strategic relations and strengthens cooperation in the areas of economy, security, technology, investment, and social development.

The framework marks the beginning of a new phase in Somaliland-Israel relations, establishing a formal mechanism to develop deep cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, shared interests, and common aspirations.

Finally, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) conferred upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a National Medal of Honor in recognition of the full recognition his government granted to the Republic of Somaliland.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

JERUSALEM – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), and his delegation, currently on the first day of their official visit to the State of Israel, toured three historic and memorial sites in Jerusalem this afternoon.

1. Mount Herzl
   President Cirro visited Mount Herzl, where he laid floral wreaths at the historic landmark. Located west of Jerusalem, Mount Herzl is one of the most significant symbols of Israeli history and statehood. It is named after and serves as the final resting place of Theodor Herzl, the father and founder of the State of Israel. The site also holds the graves of former presidents, prime ministers, and other national figures who hold a lasting place in the memory of the Israeli people and the Jewish nation.

The President was received at the site by Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization.

1. Yad Vashem
   The President made an official visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem – the world’s foremost institution dedicated to commemorating and preserving the memory of Holocaust victims. He was welcomed by Mr. Dani Dayan, Chairman of Yad Vashem.

President Cirro and his delegation received briefings on the historic events that led to one of the greatest genocides and acts of mass atrocity in 20th-century human history.

1. Grove of the Nations
   President Cirro also visited the historic Grove of the Nations, where he planted a National Symbol Tree. The tree represents the friendship, cooperation, and enduring ties between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.

Planted at this symbolic site, the tree serves as a living legacy that will long outlast the President’s visit. It stands as a historic emblem of friendship, further strengthening the relationship between the two parties.

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Jerusalem – The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), has arrived in Israel on an official visit, marking a historic milestone in Somaliland’s international engagement. President Cirro was received with full honors and held a landmark meeting with the President of Israel, H.E. Isaac Herzog.

The visit, widely seen as the most significant diplomatic undertaking by Somaliland to date, featured a formal ceremony befitting a head of state, including a red carpet, a guard of honor, and the playing of the national anthem of the Republic of Somaliland. This marked the first time the flag and anthem of Somaliland have been officially featured at an event of this magnitude, hosted at the Israeli Presidential Residence.

During their meeting, the two presidents held extensive talks focused on strengthening bilateral friendship, advancing strategic cooperation, and aligning shared interests between Somaliland and Israel. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared objectives, peace, stability, and long-term sustainable development.

Following the closed-door discussions, the two presidents addressed the media in a joint statement, expressing their shared determination to deepen ties. They underscored common values, including peace, stability, progress, democracy, coexistence, and practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits to both nations.

President Herzog later hosted President Cirro and his accompanying delegation to a state luncheon at the Presidential Residence—an honor underscoring the significance of the visit and the growing importance both sides attach to their emerging relationship.

The five-day official visit signals a new chapter in the Republic of Somaliland’s efforts to broaden its international partnerships, showcasing its increasingly active role in promoting peace, democratic governance, regional cooperation, and development on the world stage.

For the people of Somaliland, this historic event is a source of national pride, reflecting the growing reputation, credibility, and stature of their country in international affairs.