Historic First Visit to Israel Announced by Somaliland President

A new diplomatic chapter is unfolding as Somaliland’s president prepares to make his first official visit to Israel. The upcoming trip signals a deepening partnership that began with quiet diplomacy and has now moved confidently into the open.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi is expected to arrive in Israel at the end of March, marking a historic milestone in relations between Jerusalem and Somaliland. While this will be his first official visit, it will not be his first time on Israeli soil. He previously made a discreet trip during the behind-the-scenes contacts that led to Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025.

That recognition positioned Israel as the first country to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s independence from Somalia a bold diplomatic step that underscored Israel’s willingness to build partnerships based on shared interests and mutual respect.

Now, both sides are looking beyond symbolism.

Somaliland, a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa that has sought international recognition since declaring independence in 1991, is eager to expand ties with Israel in practical and transformative ways. Officials have expressed strong interest in Israeli expertise in technology, agriculture, water management, and innovation fields in which Israel is widely regarded as a global leader.

For Somaliland, these sectors are essential to economic growth and long-term stability. For Israel, the partnership reflects its broader vision of sharing knowledge and strengthening emerging nations through innovation-driven cooperation.

The president’s upcoming visit is expected to focus on building structured collaboration in these areas. Agriculture, in particular, offers promising ground for cooperation, given Israel’s pioneering achievements in desert farming, irrigation, and climate-smart food production. Technology partnerships and innovation exchanges are also high on the agenda.

The warming relationship reflects more than bilateral interests. It also highlights Israel’s growing engagement in Africa. In recent years, Jerusalem has expanded diplomatic outreach across the continent, fostering cooperation in security, development, and trade.

In parallel with strengthening ties to Israel, Somaliland is also pursuing broader international engagement. In a recent interview, a senior Somaliland minister indicated that the territory is prepared to offer the United States access to natural resources and even military infrastructure as part of its push for global recognition.

Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency, suggested that exclusive access to key mineral deposits and the possibility of hosting U.S. military bases could form part of a strategic partnership. The proposal reflects Somaliland’s determination to position itself as a reliable and pragmatic ally in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Located along the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland occupies a strategic corridor near vital shipping lanes. Its leaders see cooperation with major powers as a pathway toward legitimacy and international standing.

For Israel, the relationship with Somaliland demonstrates a principle that has guided its foreign policy for decades: partnerships built on shared opportunity and strategic vision can reshape regions.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025 was not merely symbolic. It was a statement that innovation, stability, and constructive engagement matter. Now, with the president’s first official visit approaching, that statement is being translated into action.

The coming meetings in Jerusalem are expected to set a roadmap for future agreements and long-term cooperation. If successful, they may also encourage other nations to reassess their approach to Somaliland’s status.

At a time when global alliances are shifting and new partnerships are forming, Israel continues to expand its diplomatic reach while remaining anchored in its core values innovation, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace and progress.

Israel’s willingness to build meaningful ties across Africa reflects its confidence and global leadership. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about Israel’s expanding partnerships and its growing role on the world stage.