Somaliland President Abdullahi to visit Israel in historic first

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and Somaliland First Lady Fardowsa Mohamed Roble are set to arrive in Israel on Sunday for a landmark state visit, opening a new chapter in relations between the two countries. It is the first by a Somaliland head of state and the first since Jerusalem formally recognized Somaliland's independence in December 2025. Abdullahi had originally planned to make his first official visit to Israel at the end of March, The Jerusalem Post reported in February, citing two sources familiar with the matter. Even so, this will not be his first time in the country. The president previously made a discreet visit to Israel during earlier diplomatic contacts that led to Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. The current visit will include the opening of Somaliland's embassy in Jerusalem and a series of government meetings aimed at expanding cooperation in security, trade, water technology, renewable energy, and regional development. Somaliland’s president and first lady will receive an official welcome ceremony from President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog at the President's Residence in Jerusalem at 11:30 a.m. Following this, Abdullahi is scheduled for a diplomatic meeting with Herzog and to attend a state luncheon alongside Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Later in the day, Abdullahi is slated to lay a wreath at Mount Herzl, visit Yad Vashem, and plant a tree with the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) at the Grove of Nations. Sunday will conclude with a dinner bringing together senior representatives of Israel's business community, reflecting both sides' efforts to deepen economic ties. Somaliland's Jerusalem embassy to open on Monday On Monday, Abdullahi will hold talks with Sa'ar and later meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The highlight of the visit is expected on Monday evening, with the official opening of Somaliland's embassy, marking the establishment of full diplomatic relations following Israel's recognition of Somaliland's sovereignty. According to officials familiar with the program, Abdullahi will remain in Israel until Thursday to meet with ministers, government officials, and business leaders. He is also expected to visit the Knesset and the Nova music festival memorial site, while holding discussions with Israeli companies specializing in water management and renewable energy technologies. Supporters of closer ties between the two countries argue that cooperation between Israel and Somaliland could strengthen economic development, maritime security, and technological innovation, while providing Somaliland with expanded international engagement.