JERUSALEM, Israel (HornPost) Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, has outlined opportunities for security cooperation, maritime stability and economic investment during an interview at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Oct. 13, 2026.
Speaking with Jerusalem Post news editor Alex Winston, Hagi said Somaliland’s strategic location near the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait makes it an important potential partner in efforts to address regional security challenges.
The ambassador said Somaliland and Israel were developing diplomatic relations and exploring areas of mutual interest, including security, natural resources, agriculture, water management and energy.
Somaliland opened diplomatic relations with Israel in December 2025, and Hagi became the territory’s first ambassador to the country. He presented his diplomatic credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem in May 2026.
Security Cooperation and Red Sea Stability
Asked how the two sides could contribute to regional security, Hagi cited threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement, al-Shabaab, al-Qaida and Islamic State, as well as continuing instability in parts of the Horn of Africa.
He described Somaliland as relatively stable over the past 35 years and said cooperation with Israel, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia could help strengthen regional stability and maritime security.
Hagi declined to discuss specific security arrangements, describing some aspects of the relationship as sensitive.
“We need to build” cooperation to help stabilize the region and protect maritime routes, he said, referring to the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb.
The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key passage for international shipping. Insecurity in the area has raised concerns about trade, shipping costs and the safety of commercial vessels.
The interview did not disclose details of any new security agreement between Somaliland and Israel.
Ambassador Sees Potential in Minerals, Oil and Gas
Hagi also highlighted Somaliland’s potential natural resources, saying the territory could offer opportunities for Israeli companies with expertise in mining, energy and advanced technology.
He said Somaliland had deposits of rare-earth and other critical minerals, as well as potential gold and copper resources. He also pointed to possible onshore and offshore oil and natural gas resources.
According to Hagi, a lack of technology, technical expertise and international recognition had constrained the development of these resources and limited investment.
He argued that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could help create new opportunities for commercial partnerships.
The ambassador encouraged Israeli companies to explore investment opportunities, saying Somaliland could benefit from Israeli expertise while offering access to potential mineral and energy projects.
However, the interview did not establish that new investment agreements had been signed or that the resources mentioned had been commercially verified. The extent of the deposits, their economic viability and the requirements for exploration would need to be established through geological assessments, licensing and commercial agreements.
Agriculture, Water and Technology
Beyond mining and energy, Hagi identified agriculture and water management as potential areas for cooperation.
He said Israel’s experience in agricultural technology, water systems and other technical fields could help Somaliland address development challenges and make better use of its resources.
He also said he was working with Israeli government institutions, including ministries responsible for foreign affairs, finance and energy, to explore possible cooperation.
The areas identified in the interview reflect potential opportunities rather than confirmed investment projects. Any resulting agreements would depend on further negotiations, financing and implementation.
A Developing Diplomatic Relationship
Hagi described the relationship between Somaliland and Israel as strategically important, linking diplomatic engagement with economic development and regional security.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025 marked a major diplomatic development for the territory, which declared the restoration of its independence from Somalia in 1991 and has long sought wider international recognition.
The ambassador’s remarks at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference underline Somaliland’s efforts to turn that diplomatic relationship into practical cooperation.
Whether the relationship produces substantial investment, technology transfers and expanded maritime security cooperation will depend on the agreements reached and their implementation.
This report is based on the six-minute interview with Ambassador Mohamed Hagi at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Oct. 13, 2026. Statements about natural resources and investment opportunities are attributed to the ambassador and should not be interpreted as confirmation of commercially proven reserves or completed investment deals.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
