Israel and Somaliland Sign Historic Strategic Pact as Netanyahu Declares: “Others Will Follow”
JERUSALEM, Israel (Horn post) — In what analysts are already calling one of the most consequential diplomatic developments in the Horn of Africa in decades, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Cooperation in Jerusalem, formally inaugurating a new era of bilateral relations after Israel became the first country in the world to officially recognize Somaliland.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, included both private one-on-one talks and expanded bilateral discussions involving ministers and senior officials from both governments before the two leaders delivered a rare joint public statement marking the historic occasion.
The agreement establishes the framework for cooperation in *security, agriculture, water management, technology, infrastructure, economic development, diplomacy and investment*, positioning Somaliland and Israel as emerging strategic partners across the Red Sea corridor.
Netanyahu: “We Are Proud to Be the First Government on The Planet to Recognize Somaliland”
Prime Minister of Israel Netanyahu framed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as both a moral and strategic decision, drawing parallels between Jewish history and Somaliland’s decades-long search for international recognition.
In one of the strongest statements of the historic meeting, Netanyahu said:
“We are proud, and I am proud that my government is the first government on the planet to recognize Somaliland. Others will follow.”
The Israeli leader said Israel understands Somaliland’s struggle because the Jewish people themselves historically fought for recognition of their own national rights.
“The Jewish people know what it means to possess an ancient history, a distinct identity, an unbreakable national spirit, yet still be denied recognition. Today, Israel recognizes Somaliland and helps correct a historic injustice.”
Netanyahu described Somaliland as a democratic and stable political entity deserving global acceptance.
“You are a democratic state. You have a solid identity, and you have the right to be recognized and embraced. This is a historic moment.”
His statement strongly suggested Israel intends not only diplomatic recognition, but long-term political support for Somaliland’s international legitimacy campaign.
President Irro: “For 35 Years We Asked the World to See Us — Israel Was the First”
President Irro opened his remarks by describing the visit as the single most important diplomatic breakthrough in Somaliland’s modern history.
He thanked Netanyahu personally for making Israel the first state to recognize Somaliland after decades of international diplomatic isolation.
“I am here as President of Somaliland for the first state visit ever in 35 years. We have been asking the world to see us — and Israel, and you yourself, were the first to see us and recognize us.”
President Irro praised Netanyahu’s decision as an act of political courage, arguing Israel recognized Somaliland when many governments refused to acknowledge political realities in the Horn of Africa.
“You have shown the courage to see reality as it is, not as it is often portrayed. History will show the significance of this leadership.”
The Somaliland president criticized the international community for what he described as decades of misunderstanding Somaliland’s political success while ignoring the failures surrounding Somalia’s prolonged instability.
“For too long, the international community has misunderstood Somaliland’s success and misread the prolonged failure of Somalia over the past 35 years.”
Strategic Partnership Expands Beyond Diplomacy
Both leaders emphasized that the agreement is not symbolic diplomacy, but a practical long-term partnership based on shared interests.
Netanyahu said Israel and Somaliland would immediately begin cooperation in several high-priority sectors.
“There is much to do in the field of water, agriculture, technology, security and many other areas where Israel welcomes cooperation.”
President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro laid out Somaliland’s economic case for partnership, presenting the country as one of the Horn of Africa’s emerging strategic economies.
He highlighted Somaliland’s untapped natural resources and investment potential.
“Somaliland possesses significant natural resources including rare earth minerals, oil and gas prospects, and one of the most strategic coastlines in the region.”
PresidentIrro also pointed to major opportunities in:
- Port development
- Maritime logistics
- Fisheries
- Blue economy industries
- Agriculture
- Infrastructure
- Tourism
- Energy development
- Construction
- Finance
He said Israel’s technological leadership naturally complements Somaliland’s strategic geography.
“We see Israel’s leadership in innovation and technology as a natural partner to Somaliland’s untapped potential and strategic geography.”
Embassy in Jerusalem Signals Diplomatic Alignment
Netanyahu publicly welcomed Somaliland’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, describing it as a powerful reciprocal act of diplomatic recognition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said:
“Your opening of an embassy in Jerusalem is your parallel recognition. Just as you expect nations to recognize your sovereignty, we appreciate your recognition of our capital.”
This announcement signals rapidly expanding diplomatic normalization between the two governments.
Netanyahu: “This Agreement Is About Building Farms, Hospitals, Businesses and Jobs”
In his closing remarks, Netanyahu expanded the geopolitical significance of the agreement, arguing that Somaliland and Israel share common democratic values in regions facing instability and extremism.
One of the strongest quotes of the event came as Netanyahu contrasted peacebuilding with regional conflict.
“Israel and Somaliland stand on opposite sides of the Red Sea, but we are united by the belief that freedom, democracy and opportunity are stronger than extremism, terrorism and chaos.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added:
“This agreement is not only about diplomacy. It is about building farms, hospitals, businesses, technologies and jobs.”
And in what many analysts see as Israel’s long-term commitment to Somaliland, Netanyahu declared:
“The enemies of peace build tunnels, missiles and terror armies. We will build something stronger — partnerships, innovation and a future of hope and security.”
Regional Implications Could Reshape Horn of Africa Politics
The historic agreement may significantly alter diplomatic dynamics across the Horn of Africa, particularly because Israel has now become the first internationally recognized state to formally establish strategic bilateral recognition with Somaliland.
Analysts believe the move could influence:
- Future recognition debates surrounding Somaliland
- Red Sea security partnerships
- East Africa geopolitical alignments
- Economic investment flows into Somaliland
- Regional competition involving Gulf states, Turkey and other powers
For Somaliland, this may represent the single most important diplomatic breakthrough since declaring restored sovereignty in 1991.
For Israel, the agreement creates a new strategic partner positioned along one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors.
Final Defining Quote of the Historic Meeting
Prime Minister Netanyahu concluded with a message now likely to define this new alliance.
> “Today we extend a hand of warm friendship to Somaliland, and we will build our tomorrow together. Together we will show that the future belongs not to the forces of terror — but to the forces of peace.”
Netanyahu Says, ‘Others Will Follow’ After Israel Recognizes Somaliland in Historic Jerusalem Agreement.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
