President Irro Says Somaliland–Israel Ties Mark Shift from Recognition to Strategic Partnership.

President Irro Accepts Netanyahu Invitation, Hails Israel Visit as Diplomatic Milestone.

HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) – President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), on Tuesday described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the visit by the Israeli Foreign Minister as a historic turning point, signaling the start of a substantive and strategic bilateral partnership.

Speaking at a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, President Irro said the Israeli foreign minister’s visit went beyond symbolism and reflected a shared commitment to transform recognition into long-term cooperation.

“Your visit carries historic significance and marks an important milestone in the evolving relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel,” the President said. “It reflects not only political recognition, but a shared commitment to build a forward-looking and strategic partnership.”

President Irro emphasized that Somaliland approaches its relationship with Israel with clarity of purpose and long-term vision, grounded in cooperation across political, security, economic, and development sectors.

“We see this partnership not as symbolic, but as practical, institutional, and results-oriented—one that contributes to stability, prosperity, and shared interests,” he said.

The President said the visit sends a strong diplomatic message that Somaliland and Israel are ready to deepen engagement and move decisively toward establishing full diplomatic infrastructure.

“From our side, I wish to assure you of our full readiness and political will to establish our embassy in Israel and to support a permanent and effective Israeli diplomatic presence in Somaliland,” President Irro stated.

At the conclusion of the press conference, President Irro confirmed that he has formally accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to undertake a state visit to Israel.

“Today is a different day. It is a historic day,” he said, adding that the Israeli foreign minister is the first minister from a United Nations member state to officially visit Hargeisa following Somaliland’s recognition.

President Irro said the developments mark a major diplomatic milestone for Somaliland and reinforce its position as a stable, responsible, and internationally engaged state in the Horn of Africa.

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