Historic First: Somaliland’s President Visits Jerusalem

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro visited Israel on Sunday, marking a historic diplomatic first in Jerusalem after Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state.

President Isaac Herzog hosted the visit at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The ceremony marked another step forward in the new relationship between Israel and Somaliland.

A Historic First In Jerusalem

The visit comes after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state in December 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the time that Israel would seek cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.

For Israel, the visit reflects a broader diplomatic opening beyond its immediate region. For Somaliland, it marks a major step in its long effort to build formal international ties.

Israel And Somaliland Move Forward

Herzog’s meeting with Irro took place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, where the Somaliland president was photographed signing a guest book beside the Israeli president.

The visit also included an official ceremony, with Herzog and Irro standing side by side as Israel welcomed Somaliland’s leader in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem visit is the first by a Somaliland head of state since Israel’s recognition. The visit also opens a new chapter in relations between the two countries, with further meetings expected to focus on diplomacy, trade, security, water technology, renewable energy, and regional development.

A New Regional Relationship

Israel’s recognition made Jerusalem the first capital to formally back Somaliland’s independence. Reuters reported that Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy since 1991, though it had not received formal recognition from another country before Israel’s decision.

The visit in Jerusalem now gives that recognition a visible diplomatic stage. It also shows Israel building new partnerships with countries and peoples seeking stability, sovereignty, and regional cooperation.