Israel’s foreign minister met on Monday in Jerusalem with Somaliland’s president, highlighting growing ties between the nations and confirming previously undisclosed contacts.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hosted President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the Foreign Ministry, where the two men delivered statements to the media at the start of the visit.
Sa’ar said the meeting marked their second encounter in Jerusalem, revealing the pair held a previously unpublicized meeting in October. He said relations were established about six months ago following talks in 2025 and have continued to deepen.
He also noted his visit to Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, in January and welcomed strong public support there for Israel.
Sa’ar thanked Abdirahman for deciding to open a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a “historic” step, and said both sides were committed to strengthening cooperation despite challenges.
“I am certain this partnership will continue to grow stronger for the benefit of both our nations,” Sa’ar said.
“We have just opened the Embassy of Somaliland in Jerusalem, our eternal capital,” the top diplomat tweeted on Monday evening.
“The friendship between Israel and Somaliland exists not only between our governments, but also between our peoples. It is rooted in the hearts of the citizens of both countries,” he tweeted.
Sa’ar noted that there are now eight embassies in Israel’s capital.
“I will continue to strengthen the status of Jerusalem as our eternal capital,” he said. “Stay tuned for more good news soon!”
