Somaliland President Makes 'Historic' Visit to Israel

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi's state visit to Israel marks a significant diplomatic milestone, as he met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem. This visit is the first of its kind for a Somaliland president and follows Israel's official recognition of the breakaway African state in December. Somaliland declared its autonomy from Somalia in 1991 after a civil war.

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The visit carries special significance. It is the first state visit by a 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 an honor on this historic occasion.

President Abdullahi emphasized the "special significance" of the visit, noting that Israel is the first country to recognize Somaliland after 35 years of seeking international acknowledgment. "Only one country desired to see us and recognize Somaliland, and that's the government of Israel and its people," he stated.

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Somaliland has been talking, has been reaching out to the world leaders for the last 35 years. They were asking only one question: to see us. Only one country desired to see us and recognize Somaliland, and that's the government of Israel and its people.

Somaliland, situated strategically on the Gulf of Aden, possesses its own currency, passport, and army but has struggled for international recognition. Concerns that recognition could provoke Somalia and inspire other separatist movements have hindered its progress. President Herzog described the visit as symbolizing "the great potential of this wonderful new partnership" and expressed hope for expanded bilateral cooperation.

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The visit symbolizes the great potential of this wonderful new partnership.

Both leaders acknowledged shared challenges, with Herzog noting, "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." The diplomatic engagement intensifies following Israel's appointment of its first ambassador to Somaliland and Somaliland's naming of its own envoy to Israel. A prior visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland had drawn sharp criticism from Somalia.

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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.