ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates —(Horn Post) The ambassadors of Israel and Somaliland to the United Arab Emirates met in Abu Dhabi to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Israeli Ambassador to the UAE Yossi Avraham Shelley said he hosted Somaliland Ambassador Masoud Ali Hassan for talks on the potential for deeper cooperation between the two sides.
“We discussed the vast potential of our new bilateral relations, focusing on shared efforts to deepen economic cooperation,” Shelley said in a statement following the meeting.
The Israeli ambassador also welcomed the diplomatic relationship established after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state in December 2025.
According to Shelley, Ambassador Masoud expressed appreciation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to recognize Somaliland and invited the Israeli ambassador to visit Somaliland.
Shelley said he hoped other countries would follow Israel’s lead in recognizing Somaliland.
“I hope that more countries will follow Israel’s lead and join in recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign and independent state,” Shelley said, adding that he looked forward to building a stronger partnership and advancing regional stability.
Somaliland Ambassador Highlights Bilateral Cooperation
In a separate statement, Somaliland Ambassador to the UAE Masoud Ali Hassan described his meeting with Shelley as productive and constructive.
Masoud said the two diplomats exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and explored opportunities to expand cooperation between Somaliland and Israel.
The discussions reflect growing diplomatic engagement between the two sides following Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland and the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The meeting in Abu Dhabi also comes as Somaliland seeks to translate its newly established relationship with Israel into broader cooperation in areas including trade, investment, technology, agriculture, health and regional security.
Israel-Somaliland Relations Enter New Phase
Israel formally recognized Somaliland on Dec. 26, 2025, becoming the first country to do so. The recognition was accompanied by a joint declaration establishing diplomatic relations and plans for expanded cooperation.
The development has significantly altered the diplomatic landscape surrounding Somaliland and triggered strong opposition from Somalia and several regional governments, which continue to support Somalia’s territorial integrity. The issue was also discussed at the United Nations Security Council following Israel’s announcement.
For Somaliland, the relationship with Israel represents a major diplomatic opening and an opportunity to seek further international recognition.
For Israel, Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait gives the relationship wider regional significance, particularly amid continuing security concerns affecting Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping.
The Abu Dhabi meeting therefore represents more than a routine diplomatic engagement. It signals an effort by the two sides to move from formal recognition toward practical economic and strategic cooperation.
HornPost Assessment
The significance of the meeting lies in what comes next.
Recognition established the diplomatic framework, but the durability and strategic value of Israel-Somaliland relations will increasingly depend on whether the two governments can develop tangible cooperation in trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and maritime security.
The UAE could also provide an important diplomatic and commercial environment for that relationship because Abu Dhabi is already a major center for regional investment and logistics.
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff
