By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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HARGEISA, 1 November 2026 Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has received the diplomatic credentials of Michael Lotem, whom Israel appointed as its ambassador to Somaliland, during a ceremony at the Somaliland Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The Somaliland Presidency described the arrival of the Israeli ambassador and the presentation of his credentials as an important step towards strengthening relations and strategic cooperation between the two sides.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced that its ambassador to Somaliland had formally presented his diplomatic credentials.
Speaking at the ceremony, on Sunday, Israeli Ambassador Michael Lotem described his appointment and the presentation of his credentials as a great honour.
"It is a great honour, a very great honour, to present my credentials as Israel's Ambassador to Somaliland," Lotem said.
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President Irro welcomed the ambassador and expressed his pleasure at receiving his credentials.
"It is my pleasure to receive your letters of credence. I welcome you in your capacity as Israel's Ambassador to Somaliland. I wish you success in your mission," President Irro said.
Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland on December 26, 2025, a move that triggered widespread diplomatic tensions and international reactions.
Following the announcement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar visited Somaliland in January 2026 as part of efforts to advance relations between the two sides.
Somaliland also announced that it had opened its embassy in Jerusalem during President Irro's visit to Israel in June 2026.