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Somaliland president visits Israel for first time since recognition, touts strong ties - exclusive

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi visited Israel for the first time since the countries established diplomatic ties in December 2025.
  • The visit aims to expand cooperation in sectors like economic development, water management, and security.
  • While military presence was not discussed, the president did not rule out the possibility of future cooperation deepening to that extent.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi made his first official visit to Israel this week, following Israel's December 2025 recognition of the self-governing territory. Abdullahi had previously visited Israel discreetly in October 2025 to explore avenues for recognition.

Only one of them replied. It was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We then reached the conclusion that Israel would recognize Somaliland.

— Abdirahman Mohamed AbdullahiSomaliland President explaining the path to recognition by Israel.

During his current visit, the Somaliland leader is focused on broadening cooperation with Israel across various sectors. These include economic development, natural resources, agriculture, water management, and security. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were instrumental in advancing behind-the-scenes contacts that led to the recognition.

I came discreetly in October 2025. At that time, we were exploring ways and means to secure recognition for Somaliland.

— Abdirahman Mohamed AbdullahiSomaliland President detailing his previous visit to Israel.

Speculation has arisen in foreign media about Israel potentially establishing a military presence in Somaliland due to its strategic location on the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. While President Abdullahi stated that a military presence has not been discussed, he acknowledged that he "cannot rule out the possibility that it could happen in the future." He suggested that deepening cooperation could lead to a significantly evolved relationship.

We have not discussed that.

— Abdirahman Mohamed AbdullahiSomaliland President responding to speculation about an Israeli military presence.

Practical cooperation is already underway, particularly in water management. Eynat Shlein, deputy director-general of MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, highlighted water management as a key area where Israel can provide support and achieve relatively quick, meaningful change for Somaliland.

I cannot rule out the possibility that it could happen in the future. If our cooperation continues to deepen, our relationship could develop far beyond where it stands today.

— Abdirahman Mohamed AbdullahiSomaliland President on the potential for future military cooperation with Israel.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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