JERUSALEM (Horn post) President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro was awarded the prestigious Friends of Zion Award (FOZ Award) during an official ceremony held in Jerusalem, marking another significant milestone in the rapidly growing strategic relationship between Somaliland and Israel.
President Irro and his delegation were honored during a state dinner hosted at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, where he formally received one of Israel’s highest honors granted to foreign leaders and international figures recognized for strengthening friendship with the Israeli people.
Somaliland President Awarded Israel’s Top International Honor Amid Expanding Strategic Partnership.
The Friends of Zion Award is regarded as one of Israel’s most distinguished international honors and has previously been awarded to world leaders including former U.S. President George W. Bush, U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, former Liberian President George Weah, Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, among others.
The recognition of President Irro reflects the growing diplomatic and strategic partnership between Somaliland and Israel while signaling Somaliland’s increasing international visibility on the global stage.
According to Somaliland’s Presidency, the award also acknowledges Somaliland’s commitment to peace, democracy, regional stability, coexistence, and its expanding international engagement in diplomacy, economic development, knowledge exchange, and strategic cooperation.
The historic event comes amid President Irro’s ongoing official visit to Israel, where Somaliland and Israeli officials have been deepening discussions on security cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture, technology, water management, education, healthcare, and regional stability.
Key Quotes from President Irro’s Acceptance Speech:
During his acceptance speech, President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro described Somaliland and Israel’s relationship as far more than traditional diplomacy, emphasizing shared values and a long-term strategic partnership.
“The relationship between Somaliland and Israel is not merely diplomatic engagement. It is a partnership built upon shared principles and common aspirations.”
“Both our nations have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of challenges, while building democratic institutions and pursuing peace, stability and prosperity for our people.”
President Irro stressed that the partnership between both nations is expanding into practical cooperation with direct economic and security benefits.
“Today, Somaliland and Israel are strengthening a friendship that is strategic, practical and future-oriented.”
“We are working together to unlock opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, innovation, water management, technology, education, healthcare and security cooperation.” said President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro
The Somaliland leader also praised Israel’s development model and described Israel as one of Somaliland’s most important strategic partners.
“Somaliland views Israel as a trusted friend and an important strategic partner. We admire Israel’s remarkable achievements in innovation, economic development and national resilience.”
President Irro further emphasized Somaliland’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation between nations.
“We are good Muslims. We promote peace. We promote living together. We believe partnerships must be founded on mutual respect and shared interests.”
Looking toward the future, President Irro said Somaliland is seeking stronger global partnerships with nations that value peace and progress.
“As Somaliland continues its journey of democratic governance, economic transformation and regional stability, we seek partnerships with nations that value peace, progress and genuine cooperation. Israel is one of those partners.”
Receiving the award, President Irro dedicated the recognition to the people of Somaliland.
“I accept this distinguished award not on my own behalf, but on behalf of the people of Somaliland, whose resilience and commitment to democracy continue to inspire our nation’s progress.”
Closing his speech, the Somaliland president said the award strengthens the growing friendship between the two nations.
“This recognition strengthens our resolve to deepen friendship between Somaliland and Israel and work together in advancing peace, prosperity, security and cooperation.”
President Irro concluded by saying:
“May God bless Somaliland and Israel, and the enduring friendship between our nations.”
Pictures:
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
