'Israel answered first' - Somaliland president makes historic visit to Jerusalem

Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday, marking the first official visit by a Somaliland president to Israel since Jerusalem recognized Somaliland’s independence in December 2025.

The visit, which also included First Lady Fardowsa Mohamed Roble and a delegation of Somaliland public figures, highlights the rapidly developing relationship between the two countries following Israel’s landmark recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.

In remarks welcoming his guest, Herzog said, “Mr. President, Michal and I are delighted to welcome you all here for the first state visit of the President of Somaliland to the State of Israel."

Recalling their earlier meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Herzog added, “We met back in Davos earlier this year, and now I'm very happy to receive you in our home for a visit which symbolizes the great potential of this wonderful new partnership."

He went on to praise the diplomatic decisions made by both countries, saying, “Both our countries acted with courage and realism."

Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state and, in turn, Somaliland chose to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

Referring to the public enthusiasm that followed the announcement, Herzog said, “The beautiful images of the people of Somaliland waving Israeli flags in celebration of this new relationship warmed all of our hearts, Mr. President. Today, we are equally delighted to have the flags of Somaliland flying here in the President's Residence and all throughout Jerusalem.”

Herzog also highlighted what he described as common security interests, telling his guests that, “We both face the threat of radical extremism. We both seek security and stability in the region and in the Horn of Africa. We both see the importance of protecting maritime freedom.”

Abdillahi, for his part, described the visit as a historic milestone for his country.

"This is the first visit by the 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 honor. The ceremony and hospitality extended to our delegation reflect not only protocol but also a genuine gesture of respect. I stand here with the greetings, the thanks, the appreciation of six million Somaliland Muslims.”

The Somaliland president also signed the official guest book at the President’s Residence, writing that “Israel answered first,” referring to Israel becoming the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence on Dec. 26, 2025.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland prompted sharp criticism from Somalia and a number of Muslim-majority countries, which maintain that Somaliland remains part of Somalia and reject its claim to independence. While Somaliland has functioned as a de facto state for decades, no other country has formally recognized its sovereignty.

The growing relationship between Jerusalem and Hargeisa was further underscored on May 18, 2026, when Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Hagi.

Speaking at that ceremony, Herzog said, “It’s a great honor to receive the first ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland in Israel as we further pursue our warm and good relations with the nations of Africa. I especially want to welcome you after I met your President in Davos, where we had a wonderful meeting."

Turning to the opportunities presented by the new relationship, Herzog continued, “The incredible joy of the people of Somaliland shown upon Israel’s recognition of your nation warmed our hearts. I think this is a unique opportunity to develop dialogue with nations of Muslim countries who are so important in the region. You are facing many challenges, and we are here to assist and help with all the important fields of life, from food security, to energy, to science in order to enjoy prosperity together. So welcome, shalom to you, and hopefully we will go from strength to strength together.”

Hagi responded by emphasizing the strategic nature of the relationship between the two countries.

“It’s an honor to be here today. We have built a great relationship, which is a strategic one that will pave the way forward on many things in all domains, whether that is development, political cooperation, security cooperation, and, of course, the people-to-people relationship."

He also highlighted the public support for Israel within Somaliland, saying, “The people of Somaliland very much appreciate that Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland in 1960, and again, after 35 years of independence and sovereignty, Israel again became the first country to recognize Somaliland."

"Our relationship is unique because it’s not just about two governments; it’s about the people of Israel and the people of Somaliland. In Somaliland, you can see lots of Israeli flags and people waving them in the streets and in rural areas as well," he said.