In January, President Isaac Herzog and Abdullahi met in Davos, Switzerland. In February, Somaliland announced the appointment of Mohammed Hagi<\/a> as its first ambassador to Israel. Then, in April, Israel announced the appointment of Michael Lotem as its non-resident ambassador to Somaliland.<\/p>\n In May, Herzog accepted Hagi\u2019s credentials, and now, in June, Abdullahi is in Israel to open Somaliland\u2019s embassy in Jerusalem\u2019s Malha Technology Park. He is also scheduled to address the Knesset on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n Somaliland is the eighth country to open its embassy in Jerusalem, following the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Fiji. Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa\u2019ar flew to Fiji to reopen the Israeli embassy there, following a 30-year hiatus.<\/p>\n Abdullahi had originally planned to make his first official visit<\/a> to Israel at the end of March, The Jerusalem Post reported in February, citing two sources familiar with the matter.<\/p>\n 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, which led to Israel\u2019s formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025.<\/p>\n Herzog welcomes Abdullahi to Israel<\/strong><\/p>\n On Sunday, Herzog stood outside the building to greet his guest as Abdullahi\u2019s limousine pulled up alongside the pergola and personally escorted him inside, introducing him to members of the long reception line standing at the edge of the red carpet.<\/p>\n Herzog\u2019s wife, Michal, followed close behind, escorting Abdullahi\u2019s wife and also making introductions.<\/p>\n Recalling their meeting in Davos, Herzog said how pleased he was to welcome Abdullahi to his home.<\/p>\n The two presidents \u2013 accompanied by their closest aides \u2013 went for a t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate, which Herzog later defined as \u201can interesting discussion\u201d on many fields of common interests and mutual challenges, such as protecting maritime freedom.<\/p>\n The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, was part of the growing momentum of Israel\u2019s ties to Africa. Herzog noted that he had made three presidential visits to African states and was certain that there would be more.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an honor to stand on this stage,\u201d Abdullahi said at the outset of his remarks. He said he considered the \u201cexceptionally warm welcome,\u201d friendship, and hospitality a gesture of respect between the two nations, stressing that Israel had been the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland.<\/p>\n The establishment of diplomatic relations was an important moment for both nations, he said.<\/p>\n![\"Somaliland](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/725584.jpeg\"\/)
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and President Isaac Herzog during Abdullahi’s first official state visit to Israel, June 14, 2026. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)<\/p>\n