By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 15 June 2026 – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Monday called on Israel to expand investment in Somaliland and open an embassy in Hargeisa, saying relations between the two sides were entering a new strategic phase.
Speaking during a joint appearance with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem, Irro said Somaliland wanted to deepen cooperation with Israel in security, trade, investment and social development.
He said Somaliland offered opportunities for Israeli investors in finance, construction, agriculture, energy, tourism, logistics and extractive industries.
“Our country is an emerging economic destination with significant untapped potential, a stable and secure environment, a free-market economy and a government committed to enabling private sector-led growth,” Irro said.
Irro also urged Israel to establish an embassy in Somaliland, saying such a step would improve coordination and long-term cooperation between the two sides.
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“We strongly encourage the establishment of an Israeli embassy in Somaliland as soon as possible,” he said.
Sa’ar said Somaliland’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem was historic, describing it as the eighth country to take that step.
He said Israel and Somaliland had held private talks before the establishment of relations and that he had previously met Irro in Jerusalem in October.
“No one will decide for Israel and no one will decide for Somaliland who we conduct diplomatic relations with,” Sa’ar said.
Irro said Israel recognised Somaliland on Dec. 26, 2025, and described his state visit as first of its kind by a Somaliland president to any country.