Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and Somaliland First Lady Fardowsa Mohamed Roble, accompanied by a senior delegation, arrived in Israel on Sunday for a landmark state visit, opening a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
Israel and Somaliland formally established diplomatic relations as recently as December 2025, and quickly set about creating a working infrastructure.
In January of this year, Herzog and Abdullahi met in Davos, Switzerland. In February, Somaliland announced the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Hagi as its first ambassador to Israel. In April, Israel announced the appointment of Michael Lotem as its non-resident ambassador to Somaliland.
In May, Herzog accepted Hagi’s credentials, and now, in June, Abdullahi is in Israel to open Somaliland's embassy in Jerusalem’s Malha Technology Park. He is also scheduled to address the Knesset on Tuesday evening.
Somaliland is the eighth country to open an embassy in Jerusalem, following the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Fiji. Earlier this month, Sa’ar flew to Fiji to reopen the Israeli embassy there, following a 30-year hiatus.
Abdullahi had originally planned to make his first official visit to Israel at the end of March, The Jerusalem Post reported in February, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Even so, this will not be his first time in the country. The president previously made a discreet visit to Israel during earlier diplomatic contacts that led to Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025.
Herzog welcomes Abdullahi to Israel
On Sunday, Herzog stood outside the building to greet his guest as the latter’s limousine pulled up alongside the pergola, and personally escorted him inside to introduce him to members of the long reception line standing at the edge of the red carpet.
Herzog’s wife, Michal, followed close behind, escorting Abdullahi’s wife and making introductions.
The two presidents and their closest aides then went for a private tete-a-tete, which Herzog said afterward had been “an interesting discussion” on people-to-people contacts, and on many fields of common interest as well as mutual challenges such as protecting maritime freedom.
Recalling the meeting in Davos, Herzog said how pleased he was to welcome Abdullahi to his home.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, was part of the growing momentum of Israel’s ties to Africa. He noted that he had made three presidential visits to African states and was certain that the number would grow.
“It is an honor to stand on this stage”, said Abdullahi at the outset of his remarks. He termed the “exceptionally warm welcome,” friendship, and hospitality a gesture of respect between two peoples, and stressed that Israel had been the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland.
The establishment of diplomatic relations was an important moment for both nations, he said.
He also wanted to thank the foreign ministers of both countries for their work in bringing about the diplomatic relationship and said of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who visited Somaliland in January, “You were the first to see us.”
In an interview with the London Jewish Chronicle in May, Abdullahi said: “Anyone who doesn’t like our alliance with Israel can mind their own business.
Somaliland has had a quiet, below-the-radar relationship with Israel for several years.
Once the relationship became open and official, a coalition of 14 pro-Palestinian nations condemned the move and called it illegal, stating that East Jerusalem was under Israeli occupation.
This has not been a cause of particular concern to Abdullahi, who, after lauding the official relationship, joined Herzog in toasting the occasion in orange juice. As a Muslim, he does not drink alcoholic beverages.
The two presidents and their wives then joined some 50 guests at a state luncheon, to the background musical strains of "Jerusalem of Gold."
Later in the day, Abdullahi is slated to lay a wreath at Mount Herzl, visit Yad Vashem, and plant a tree with the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) at the Grove of Nations.
Sunday will conclude with a dinner bringing together senior representatives of Israel's business community, reflecting both sides' efforts to deepen economic ties.
Somaliland's Jerusalem embassy to open on Monday
On Monday, Abdullahi will hold talks with Sa'ar and later meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The highlight of the visit is expected on Monday evening, with the official opening of Somaliland's embassy, marking the establishment of full diplomatic relations following Israel's recognition of Somaliland's sovereignty.
According to officials familiar with the program, Abdullahi will remain in Israel until Thursday to meet with ministers, government officials, and business leaders.
He is also expected to visit the Knesset and the Nova music festival memorial site, while holding discussions with Israeli companies specializing in water management and renewable energy technologies.
Supporters of closer ties between the two countries argue that cooperation between Israel and Somaliland could strengthen economic development, maritime security, and technological innovation, while providing Somaliland with expanded international engagement.
Shir Perets and Miriam Sela-Eitam contributed to this report.