Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and 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, President Isaac Herzog and Abdullahi met in Davos, Switzerland. In February, Somaliland announced the appointment of Mohammed Hagi as its first ambassador to Israel. Then, 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 its embassy in Jerusalem, following the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Fiji. Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Gideon 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, which 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 Abdullahi’s limousine pulled up alongside the pergola and personally escorted him inside, introducing 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 also making introductions.
Recalling their meeting in Davos, Herzog said how pleased he was to welcome Abdullahi to his home.
The two presidents – accompanied by their closest aides – went for a tête-à-tête, which Herzog later defined as “an interesting discussion” on many fields of common interests and mutual challenges, such as protecting maritime freedom.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, was part of the growing momentum of Israel’s ties to Africa. Herzog noted that he had made three presidential visits to African states and was certain that there would be more.
“It is an honor to stand on this stage,” Abdullahi said at the outset of his remarks. He said he considered the “exceptionally warm welcome,” friendship, and hospitality a gesture of respect between the two nations, stressing 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.
Abdullahi also wanted to thank the foreign ministers of both countries for their work in bringing about the diplomatic relationship, and said of Sa’ar, who had visited Somaliland in January, “You were the first to see us.”
Abdullahi visited Mount Herzl, laying a wreath at the grave of Benjamin Ze'ev Herzl, one of the founders of the modern State of Israel.
In an interview with the British outlet 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, under-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, calling it illegal, saying 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 with orange juice. As a Muslim, he does not drink alcoholic beverages.
Both presidents and their wives then joined some 50 guests at a state lunch to the background musical strains of “Jerusalem of Gold.”
Abdullahi also visited Yad Vashem and planted a tree with the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) at the Grove of Nations.
Sunday concluded 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 Supernova 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 have said 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.