The Republic of Somaliland has officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem following a historic state visit by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi to Israel. The embassy inauguration marks a major milestone in relations between the two nations and the establishment of full diplomatic ties.

Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign country on 26 December 2025. Since then, both sides have moved to strengthen cooperation through diplomatic exchanges, ambassador appointments, and plans for economic, security, and technological partnerships.

The opening of Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem comes as Israel prepares to establish its own diplomatic representation in Hargeisa, singling a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries.

📸Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, left, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar open Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem, June 15, 2026.

The embassy was officially inaugurated during a state visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro to Israel. During the visit, the president met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other senior Israeli officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discuss future partnerships in trade, technology, agriculture, water management, health, and security.

The opening of the embassy represents a major achievement in Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international recognition. Somaliland has operated as a self-governing territory since 1991 and has maintained its own government, security institutions, and democratic electoral system. Israel’s recognition in December 2025 opened a new chapter in Somaliland’s international relations.

📸 A historic Somaliland–Israel moment: Israel ambassador to Somaliland is Michael Lotem, Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro, Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland’s Ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Haji, June 15, 2026.

Somaliland’s Ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, previously announced that the embassy would be located in Jerusalem, while Israel is expected to establish its own embassy in Hargeisa as diplomatic ties continue to expand.

📸 Somaliland ambassador to Israel Mohamed Haji. Old picture.

Officials from both countries have described the development as a historic step that will deepen cooperation and strengthen relations between the two nations. The embassy is expected to serve as a key platform for promoting investment, trade, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic engagement between Somaliland and Israel.

The inauguration of the embassy marks the first Somaliland embassy in Israel and symbolizes the growing international presence of the Republic of Somaliland as it continues to pursue broader diplomatic recognition around the world.