Jerusalem (Horn post) In a historic diplomatic address delivered during his state visit to Israel, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro declared that Israel had become the first country to formally engage and recognize Somaliland after more than three decades of Somaliland seeking international recognition.
Speaking alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog during an official state ceremony, President Irro described the visit as one of the most historic moments in Somaliland’s diplomatic history and expressed deep gratitude for the reception accorded to his delegation by the Israeli government.
Addressing dignitaries, senior officials and members of the international media, President Irro said it was a profound honor to stand before the Israeli leadership during what he described as a truly historic visit, emphasizing that the exceptional welcome extended by Israel represented far more than diplomatic protocol.
He said the warm reception reflected genuine friendship and mutual respect between two people seeking to build a meaningful and forward-looking relationship based on shared interests and long-term cooperation.
President Irro stressed that the visit carries extraordinary significance because it marks the first time a President of Somaliland has undertaken an official state visit to another country since Somaliland restored its sovereignty following independence from Britain and its 1991 declaration of restored independence.
According to Irro, Israel’s decision to officially receive Somaliland at state level represents a diplomatic moment that will permanently be remembered in Somaliland’s national history.
He noted that throughout Somaliland’s long political journey over the last 35 years, the leadership in Hargeisa had consistently reached out to world governments with one fundamental request — simply asking the international community to acknowledge Somaliland’s existence and engage with its people.
President Irro then made one of the strongest political statements of the visit, declaring that despite Somaliland spending decades appealing to world leaders, only one country had chosen to openly engage and recognize Somaliland.
“That country is Israel and its people,” President Irro declared during his address, drawing applause from those attending the ceremony.
The Somaliland leader also thanked Israel for what he described as early and consistent engagement between both sides, referring to diplomatic developments initiated on December 26, 2025, which he said marked an important turning point in the evolving relationship between the two governments.
Speaking emotionally, President Irro said he was not standing in Israel as an individual leader but as the representative of six million Somaliland citizens who deeply appreciate Israel’s decision to open relations with Somaliland.
“I represent six million Somalilanders who are thankful to the people and government of Israel,” he said.
The president specifically thanked Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the Israeli Prime Minister, senior ministers and particularly Israel’s Foreign Minister, whom he praised for previously visiting Hargeisa despite political pressure and diplomatic challenges surrounding Somaliland’s international status.
Irro also acknowledged Israeli government officials, business leaders, security officials and private sector representatives involved in welcoming the Somaliland delegation and supporting expanding bilateral cooperation.
The speech is being widely interpreted as confirmation that relations between Somaliland and Israel have entered a new strategic phase, potentially opening the door for broader cooperation in diplomacy, trade, security, technology, infrastructure development and regional geopolitical partnerships.
The historic visit is increasingly being viewed as a defining moment in Somaliland’s decades-long quest for international legitimacy while simultaneously positioning Israel as a new strategic actor expanding influence across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.
Pictures:
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargiesa, Somaliland
