HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro chaired a high-level cabinet meeting in Hargeisa on Wednesday where the Government of Somaliland officially approved a historic joint declaration signed with Israel, marking what officials described as a major diplomatic breakthrough for Somaliland’s international engagement strategy.
The decision was announced during the 66th Session of Somaliland’s Council of Ministers, held at the Presidential Palace and attended by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi along with senior cabinet ministers.
The cabinet unanimously endorsed the Joint Declaration signed in Jerusalem on June 15, 2026, between President Irro and Israeli Prime Minister officials, following what Somaliland authorities described as the president’s historic official state visit to Israel.
Government officials said the agreement represents a major strategic step aimed at expanding Somaliland’s diplomatic reach, strengthening bilateral partnerships and advancing the country’s long-standing push for greater international recognition.
“This declaration represents a strategic milestone fully aligned with Somaliland’s national interests and strengthens our engagement with the international community,” President Irro told cabinet ministers during the session.
Under constitutional procedures, the agreement will now be submitted to Somaliland’s legislative institutions for formal review and consideration.
Somaliland Government Highlights Diplomatic Gains from Israel Visit
During the cabinet session, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro provided ministers with a detailed briefing on the outcomes of his diplomatic visit to Israel, outlining what officials described as new strategic partnerships, diplomatic achievements and future economic opportunities created during the trip.
The government said the visit opened new channels for cooperation in sectors considered critical to Somaliland’s long-term development agenda.
Political observers say the approval of the declaration could represent one of the most significant foreign policy developments undertaken by Somaliland in recent years.
“The visit has generated important diplomatic opportunities that directly support Somaliland’s national interests and future international partnerships,” the presidency said in the official briefing.
Cabinet Reviews National Security Situation
The cabinet also reviewed Somaliland’s overall internal security situation after receiving a report from the Ministry of Interior and National Security.
Officials confirmed that Somaliland remains peaceful and secure, adding that national security institutions continue to maintain public safety and preserve internal stability across all regions.
The government emphasized that continued cooperation between security agencies and citizens remains central to protecting national peace.
“Public vigilance and strong coordination between security institutions remain essential pillars in preserving Somaliland’s stability,” the Interior Ministry said.
Government Pushes Forward with GST Tax Reform
Finance officials updated the cabinet on implementation of Somaliland’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) program, describing it as a key part of efforts to modernize the country’s tax system and expand domestic revenue generation.
The Ministry of Finance said GST revenue will directly contribute to the national budget while improving transparency, accountability and economic sustainability.
Officials said the tax reforms are designed to strengthen economic growth and improve long-term public service delivery.
Health Ministry Reports Decline in Disease Outbreaks
The Ministry of Health Development informed the cabinet that fever-related illnesses have significantly declined across Somaliland in recent months, citing stronger public health interventions nationwide.
Health authorities said prevention campaigns have intensified against malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya, with nationwide awareness programs aimed at reducing further transmission.
Malaria, Dengue Fever and Chikungunya remain priority concerns for public health officials.
Humanitarian Concerns Over Rising IDP Challenges
The cabinet also reviewed growing humanitarian challenges affecting internally displaced people (IDPs) across Somaliland.
The Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs warned that vulnerable displaced communities continue facing urgent needs related to food security, access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare and education.
Officials called for expanded emergency assistance programs to support families affected by displacement and economic hardship.
Government Moves to Strengthen Trade Governance
Separately, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism presented a report focused on improving institutional coordination in Somaliland’s trade governance system.
Cabinet ministers reviewed proposals aimed at clarifying responsibilities among government institutions involved in trade-related affairs to prevent overlapping mandates and improve efficiency.
Officials stressed the importance of reinforcing principles established under Somaliland’s Government and Independent Agencies Framework Law (Law No. 71/2025) as part of broader governance reforms.
“Strong institutional coordination and respect for clearly defined mandates are essential for improving national trade governance and economic development,” the Trade Ministry stated.
The cabinet session signals Somaliland’s continuing focus on foreign diplomacy, economic reform, security stability and institutional modernization, with the newly approved Israel declaration emerging as the meeting’s most significant geopolitical development.
Prepared By
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
