President Herzog Hosts the President of Somaliland on His First State Visit to Israel

President Isaac Herzog: “We both face the threat of radical extremism. We both seek security and stability in the region and in the Horn of Africa. We both see the importance of protecting maritime freedom.”

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi: “I stand here with the greetings, the thanks, the appreciation of six million Somaliland Muslims.”

On June 14, 2026, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog hosted President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi of the Republic of Somaliland and First Lady Fardowsa Mohamed Roble on their first-ever visit to Israel.

The President and First Lady of Somaliland were received with an official welcome ceremony at the President’s Residence, together with their senior delegation accompanying the visit. The two Presidents then held a private meeting and delivered statements to the media. President Herzog and the First Lady then hosted the President and First Lady of Somaliland and their delegation for an official state luncheon at the President’s Residence.

President Isaac Herzog:
“Mr. President, Michal and I are delighted to welcome you all here for the first state visit of the President of Somaliland to the State of Israel.

“We met back in Davos earlier this year, and now I’m very happy to receive you in our home for a visit which symbolizes the great potential of this wonderful new partnership.

“Both our countries acted with courage and realism. Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state, which has been a reality on the ground for several decades. Somaliland chose to open an embassy here in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.

“The beautiful images of the people of Somaliland waving Israeli flags in celebration of this new relationship warmed all of our hearts, Mr. President. Today, we are equally delighted to have the flags of Somaliland flying here in the President’s Residence and all throughout Jerusalem.

“We need to move from declarations to people-to-people cooperation in a range of fields—and we had a very interesting discussion on that —of so many topics of common interest, and we both also face strategic challenges, which are important to both nations. We both face the threat of radical extremism. We both seek security and stability in the region and in the Horn of Africa. We both see the importance of protecting maritime freedom.

“This new relationship comes in a broader context of the growing momentum in ties between Israel and the nations of Africa. During my presidency, I’ve made three official visits to Africa, highlighting the depths and the future potential of these wonderful opportunities and relationships. Whilst there are those who seek to keep Israel and African nations apart, I’m certain these ties will grow and grow.”

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi:

“On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Somaliland, it is a profound honor for me to stand before you today at this state visit and to address you in person during what is truly a historic visit.
“I wish, at the outset, to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptionally warm welcome, the dignity of the reception, and the spirit of friendship that has defined every moment of this visit.

“The ceremony and the hospitality extended to our delegation reflect not only protocol, but a genuine gesture of respect between two peoples who seek to build a meaningful and forward-looking relationship.
“The visit carries special significance. It is the first state visit by a President of the Republic of Somaliland to another country, and we are deeply appreciative that the State of Israel has chosen to receive us with such an honor on this historic occasion. By doing so, Israel has taken part in a moment that will be remembered in the diplomatic history of our nation, and we do not take that gesture lightly.

“We also recall with gratitude the early and continued engagement between our two countries. In Somaliland’s long journey since the restoration of its sovereignty following independence from Britain, we have valued those who have shown openness, courage, and foresight in engaging with us. We further note the significance of Israel’s engagement on 26 December 2025, which stands as an important marker in the evolving relationship between our two nations.

“Today, I stand here with the greetings, the thanks, the appreciation of six million Somaliland Muslims. Today, I want to thank the government of Israel, the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister.

“Somaliland has been talking, has been reaching out to the world leaders for the last 35 years. They were asking only one question: to see us. Only one country desired to see us and recognize Somaliland, and that’s the government of Israel and its people.”