HARGEISA(Somaliguardian) – Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has arrived in Somaliland for a landmark visit that marks the first time an Israeli official has travelled to the self-declared republic since it was recognised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, was conducted under heavy security in the northern Somali region. Measures were tightened across the capital, Hargeisa, where vehicles and pedestrians were subjected to screenings and security checks amid heightened concerns over potential threats.
Mr Sa’ar and his delegation held talks with Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, at the presidential palace. Discussions focused on the opening of diplomatic missions in both countries and cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence.
“Your visit carries historic significance and marks an important milestone in the evolving relationship between the Republic of Somaliland and the state of Israel,” President Irro said during a joint press conference.
“It reflects not only political recognition but also a shared commitment to transform that recognition into substantive forward looking and a strategic partnership. We are committed to building a strategic relationship with Israel that is mutually beneficial and grounded in cooperation across political, security, economic and development domains,” he added.
President Irro stressed that his government viewed ties with Israel “not as a symbolic but as practical, institutional and result-oriented.”
“Your presence here today demonstrates leadership [and] confidence in the future of our relationship. It sends a strong message that Somaliland and Israel are ready to deepen engagement and move decisively toward the establishment of diplomatic infrastructure including the opening of embassies. From our side, I wish to assure you our full readiness and political will to establish our embassy in Israel and to support a permanent and effective Israeli diplomatic presence in Somaliland,” he said.
Speaking at the same press conference, Mr Sa’ar praised Somaliland’s record of peace and its democratic transfer of power, describing it as a stable partner in a volatile region.
“Over the past year relations between Somaliland and Israel have taken shape. I want to thank you for your close partnership and visionary leadership,” he said.
“Eventually on December 26, Israel and Somaliland signed a historic agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations.”
Mr Sa’ar said the relationship was founded on trust and mutual respect, and outlined areas in which Israel was prepared to assist Somaliland, including addressing severe water shortages.
“We agreed on mutual appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. We will get that done soon,” he said.
“We recognize that water supply is a key sector for Somaliland, therefore, we are glad to provide our assistance and expertise on this matter.”
He said Israel would host Somaliland water infrastructure staff for training and deploy Israeli water experts to help local authorities better utilise available resources.
Mr Sa’ar added that the two sides would also “cooperate on defense and develop a strategic partnership”, insisting that “nobody will determine for Israel who we recognize and who we maintain relation with,” amid growing international criticism of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The Israeli foreign minister reiterated Prime Minister Netanyahu’s invitation to President Irro to visit Jerusalem, which Somaliland’s leader has accepted.
“I welcome Somaliland’s intention to join the Abraham accords. This is a natural connection between democratic countries both in challenging regions,” Mr Sa’ar said.
Somalia’s federal government has strongly condemned the visit, describing it as an “unauthorized incursion” and reiterating that Somaliland is “an integral and inseparable part of the sovereign territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
The visit follows remarks made days earlier by Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who said he would not rule out the use of force – among other options – to deter Somaliland from seeking international recognition and to compel it to remain part of Somalia.
Meanwhile, videos circulating online purport to show Israeli fighter jets flying over the region. Neither Somaliland nor Israeli authorities have confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
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