JERUSALEM, Israel (Horn post) — Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has pledged support to help Somaliland address longstanding barriers in accessing international financial systems and global banking networks, marking a major economic development during President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s historic visit to Israel.
Smotrich, who also leads Israel’s Religious Zionist Party, made the commitment after holding high-level talks in Jerusalem with Somaliland President Irro, members of his delegation, and senior Somaliland financial officials.
In a statement posted on his official X platform, the Israeli finance minister described the visit as symbolic of a growing partnership between both sides and signaled Israel’s intention to actively support Somaliland’s economic integration efforts.
“Welcome to Israel, President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The historic visit to Jerusalem symbolizes the strong partnership between the two countries,” Smotrich wrote.
He added that Israel’s Finance Ministry would work directly to facilitate economic cooperation and remove obstacles limiting Somaliland’s access to international financial and banking systems.
“The Ministry of Finance, under my leadership, will work to remove barriers and promote collaborations that will realize the potential for trade and investments between the countries,” he said.
According to a separate statement released by Somaliland’s presidency, President Irro was joined during the meeting by the Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, cabinet ministers, and senior members of the official delegation.
The discussions focused heavily on strengthening economic cooperation, foreign investment, sustainable development partnerships, and mechanisms to address Somaliland’s financial access challenges in international markets.
Officials said both sides also discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, water infrastructure, renewable energy, advanced technology, and development of critical economic infrastructure.
Another key topic is centered on creating new financial frameworks and guarantees capable of supporting major development projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and long-term sustainability.
Somaliland officials described the ongoing series of meetings between President Irro and senior Israeli government leaders as the beginning of a new phase in Somaliland–Israel relations, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, technology transfer, security collaboration, and social development.
Analysts say Israel’s pledge to assist Somaliland in overcoming global banking and financial restrictions could become one of the most consequential economic outcomes emerging from the president’s landmark diplomatic visit to Jerusalem.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
