JERUSALEM, Israel (Horn post) — President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” officially inaugurated Somaliland’s first embassy in the world on Tuesday in Jerusalem, describing the moment as one of the most historic milestones in Somaliland’s 35-year struggle for international recognition.
The opening ceremony was attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, senior Israeli officials and Somaliland’s newly appointed ambassador, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough following Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025.
Addressing officials during the ceremony, President Irro said the opening of the embassy symbolized the culmination of Somaliland’s decades-long campaign to gain international recognition after years of diplomatic isolation.
“Today is a historic day for us. This embassy we open today is the first embassy ever opened by Somaliland anywhere in the world.”
Irro reflected on Somaliland’s long search for international legitimacy, saying for more than three decades Somaliland had asked the international community a simple question.
“For 35 years Somaliland was asking the world one simple question: Do you see us? They were silent for 35 years. Only one country was courageous enough to say yes — and that country was Israel.”
The Somaliland president praised Israel for becoming the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, calling the move a turning point in Somaliland’s modern political history.
“They did not only say yes, but they also recognized Somaliland — and that is why we are here opening this embassy today.”
President Irro Says More Countries Could Soon Follow Israel Recognition
In one of the strongest political messages of the event, President Irro expressed confidence that Israel’s recognition would pave the way for additional countries to formally establish diplomatic relations with Somaliland.
“We are not stateless today, but a recognized country, and hopefully, as forecast by the minister, more countries will recognize Somaliland soon.”
The Somaliland leader said the new diplomatic mission in Jerusalem reflects rapidly expanding friendship and cooperation between the two governments.
He said both countries are now moving toward deeper cooperation across strategic sectors.
“This shows the growing relationship and friendship between Israel and Somaliland, and hopefully we will have a stronger partnership in security, economy, diplomacy, regional affairs, innovation and technology.”
Somaliland Seeks Israeli Investment and Technology Partnership
President Irro used the ceremony to position Somaliland as an emerging economic destination, emphasizing the country’s natural resources and long-term investment potential.
He highlighted Somaliland’s relatively small population, untapped mineral wealth and strategic location while appealing for Israeli investment and technology transfer.
“We are a small country with a small population, but we are rich in resources. If we get the right investment, we can become one of the richest countries in the world.”
He said Israel’s technological expertise could become central to Somaliland’s future economic transformation.
“With the technology of Israel, we hope that we will prosper together.”
Israeli Foreign Minister: Somaliland Embassy in Jerusalem Carries Major Diplomatic Significance
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the embassy opening as a major milestone in bilateral relations, crediting President Irro’s leadership for rapidly advancing the partnership between both governments.
Sa’ar said cooperation had expanded quickly in just a matter of months, with both sides already discussing multiple strategic initiatives involving government institutions and private sector partnerships.
“Within a very short time, we are already dealing with so many issues for the mutual benefit of our peoples.”
He said Israeli institutions and private sector actors are increasingly prepared to deepen engagement with Somaliland.
“You will see more and more Israeli partners from both the public and private sector. You will be amazed by the willingness to cooperate and build something good for the future.”
Israel Dismisses External Criticism Over Somaliland Relations
In a notable geopolitical statement, Foreign Minister Sa’ar dismissed criticism from countries opposed to growing Somaliland-Israel relations, saying bilateral relations are strictly a sovereign matter between both governments.
“Other countries have nothing to say about relations between our two countries. It is our matter — not your matter.”
He acknowledged both countries face regional challenges from hostile neighboring actors but insisted both governments would overcome external pressure.
“We are great partners and we will overcome all obstacles because our purpose is good for Somaliland and for Israel.”
Somaliland Becomes Eighth Country with Embassy in Jerusalem
Sa’ar revealed that Somaliland’s diplomatic mission now makes it the eighth country in the world to officially establish an embassy in Jerusalem, a move Israel considers politically significant.
He said President Irro had personally informed him during a phone conversation on December 26, 2025, immediately after Israel recognized Somaliland, that Somaliland would establish diplomatic representation in Jerusalem.
“Somaliland is now the eighth country to establish its embassy here in Jerusalem, and it means a lot for us.”
Historic Diplomatic Turning Point
The embassy opening marks perhaps the strongest diplomatic advancement in Somaliland’s foreign policy history since declaring restored sovereignty in 1991.
Analysts say Israel’s recognition, the opening of Somaliland’s first embassy abroad, and rapidly expanding bilateral cooperation could significantly alter diplomatic dynamics in the **Horn of Africa, Red Sea region and Middle East geopolitical landscape**.
The event signals Somaliland’s transition from diplomatic isolation toward formal international state-to-state partnerships.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
