Jerusalem (Horn post) In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, President of the Republic of Somaliland, arrived in Israel on an official state visit where he received a high-level ceremonial welcome and held historic talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, according to an official statement issued by the Somaliland Presidency.
The visit marks one of the most significant international diplomatic engagements ever undertaken by Somaliland and signals a major shift in the territory’s expanding global outreach strategy. President Irro and his delegation were welcomed with full state honors at the Israeli Presidential Palace, including a red-carpet reception, military honors, and the playing of Somaliland’s national anthem.
In a symbolic and unprecedented moment, the flag and national anthem of Somaliland were officially displayed during the state ceremony in Israel, marking what officials described as the first time Somaliland has been accorded such recognition at an event of this diplomatic level hosted by Israel.
During formal bilateral discussions, Presidents Irro and Herzog focused on strengthening friendship between Somaliland and Israel while exploring strategic cooperation in areas including security, trade, investment, regional cooperation and long-term diplomatic engagement.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a partnership based on mutual respect, shared interests, peace, regional stability and sustainable development. The discussions are viewed by observers as an important step toward deepening Somaliland’s international partnerships beyond traditional regional alliances.
Following the closed-door meeting, both presidents addressed the media in a joint statement emphasizing shared values between the two sides, including peace, democratic governance, coexistence, development and mutually beneficial cooperation between their peoples.
As part of the state visit, President Isaac Herzog hosted President Irro and the Somaliland delegation at an official state luncheon held at the Israeli Presidential Palace, underscoring the significance Israel has attached to the historic diplomatic engagement.
President Irro’s visit to Israel is expected to continue for five days and is widely seen as opening a new chapter in Somaliland’s foreign policy ambitions as Hargeisa intensifies efforts to broaden its international relationships and present itself as an emerging regional actor in peacebuilding, democracy and economic cooperation.
Separately, the Israeli government also publicly welcomed President Irro’s arrival. In a statement released by the Israeli Presidency, Israel said it welcomed Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on what it described as his first visit to Israel following the announcement made several months ago regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations between both sides.
The statement added that President Isaac Herzog was personally meeting with the visiting Somaliland leader, while Israeli government media channels invited the public to follow updates on President Irro’s official activities throughout the visit.
The visit is already being described inside Somaliland as a historic national moment that reflects the growing diplomatic visibility, political confidence and expanding international presence of Somaliland on the global stage.
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Horn post staff
